#Ukraine Military Forces

Almost three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's constant saber-rattling against NATO countries, the alliance is slowly waking up to its most significant military challenge since the end of the Cold War. But which lessons have NATO armies learned from Ukraine’s decade-long fight for independence?

The Ukrainian government has so far resisted US officials’ call to lower the mobilization age to 18 to fill its ranks while reforming the volunteering system to attract young, motivated soldiers. Here’s why Ukraine has so far been reluctant to conscript its youngest.

In Kyiv, civilians can receive free military training from veterans of the ongoing war with Russia. These veterans, many of whom have suffered serious injuries or been captured, use the program to reintegrate into civilian life while sharing their combat experience and helping others prepare for the challenges of war.

The United States is reassessing its foreign aid expenditures, including programs run by the US Department of State. Some of these initiatives directly impact support for Ukraine.

Week after week, Ukrainians keep fighting against Russia’s full-scale onslaught. Even in the capital of the country, a weekend morning near a metro station can hold the looming uncertainty of becoming a target for a Russian ballistic missile. This is the week (20-26th of January 2025) in photos through the lens of some of the most prominent Ukrainian photographers.