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Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 18 > Lessons Learned from the War in Ukraine

 

Author Biography

Ashley Ruiz is a defense practitioner specializing in cyber conflict, operational technology security, and great power competition. She holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University, a B.A. in Intelligence and Security Studies from The Citadel, and a B.A. in Political Science from The Citadel.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.4.2592

Subject Area Keywords

Asymmetric warfare, Defense policy, International relations, Science and technology & security, Security studies, War studies

Abstract

The war in Ukraine has reshaped contemporary understandings of how wars are fought and sustained. This article argues that the defining characteristic of modern warfare is not only the compression of kill chains – the sequence linking detection, decision, and destruction – but their diversification and resilience under continuous disruption. Drawing on empirical evidence from Ukraine’s integration of unmanned systems, digital battle management tools, and artificial intelligence, the analysis demonstrates how technological acceleration can yield short-term tactical advantages while exposing long-term structural vulnerabilities. Russia’s extensive use of electronic warfare, hybrid attacks, and adaptive countermeasures reveals that kill-chain supremacy is both contested and fragile. Comparative cases from Israel, Syria, and Iran indicate that autonomy and speed do not guarantee strategic success when endurance, logistics, and industrial capacity remain decisive. For NATO, the findings underscore that deterrence credibility will depend on distributed and durable kill-chain architectures supported by resilient command networks, sustainable supply systems, and political cohesion. The article concludes that endurance, not speed, will define the tempo of future war.

Disclaimer

The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense or the US Government.

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