Systematic work that doesn't always make the headlines
The Defense Forces are accumulating not only strategic developments but also practical tactical solutions — and in 2025 this became one of the key achievements. The process is recorded not only in official reports, but also in open discussions by servicemembers on social networks, as well as in analytical materials from Defense Express and interviews by LIGA.net with fighters who directly implement these lessons.
How experience turns into results
This is not about isolated heroic episodes, but about a "feedback loop" mechanism: field experience — discussion — adjustment of tactics and procedures — practical implementation in positions. It is this sequence that has allowed Ukrainian units to better counter the enemy's offensive actions and stabilize critical sections of the front.
"We can observe how this is expressed in discussions among different servicemen on social media about how and where it is better to fight. This is driven not only by a desire to vie for publicity, but also by the fact that military experience accumulates and is implemented on the battlefield"
— a serviceman of the 413th Regiment "Raid", weapons expert at Defense Express (comment for LIGA.net)
Pokrovsk as an indicator of tactical advantage
In practice the result is visible in specific locations — in particular, in thwarting assault attempts near Pokrovsk. Where Russian units expected a quick breakthrough, Ukrainian defense demonstrated adaptability and resilience. The city ceased to be a "quick target" and became a problem for the enemy.
"Pokrovsk was supposed to become a symbol of Ukraine's rapid fall, but that did not happen. The city became a symbol of problems for Russia. So despite all our difficulties, we see that the Defense Forces have managed to maintain the stability of the front"
— a serviceman of the 413th Regiment "Raid", weapons expert at Defense Express (comment for LIGA.net)
Social proof and the international context
Beyond field testimony, there are broader signals: by the end of the year Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi emphasized the level of training and combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, referring to the figure of neutralized enemies, which became one of the arguments for assessing combat readiness.
"At present, Ukraine has one of the strongest and most experienced armies in the world. And nearly 420,000 Russian occupiers neutralized during 2025 are a vivid testament to that"
— Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
What next: risks and opportunities
Holding positions and accumulating tactical experience is not an end in itself. It is the foundation for next steps: improving training, optimizing logistics, and more effective integration of new weapons. At the same time, the effect depends on continued support from partners and on how quickly these lessons are scaled up at the brigade and corps levels.
Summary: 2025 showed that adaptation at the tactical level yields a tangible strategic effect. The next question is whether it will be possible to transform local successes into a sustained advantage across a broader front and to secure them materially and technically. That is now a task for the command and international partners.
