As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine endures, the role of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has gained unprecedented significance. Amidst this backdrop, Maria Berlinska, a volunteer and head of the “Victory Drones” project, has shared her perspectives on the developments surrounding Mikhail Fedorov’s recent appointment as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense.
Berlinska, who has been deeply involved in military technology initiatives aimed at supporting both Ukrainian military personnel and civilians, discussed the implications of U.S. efforts to end the war by summer. She reflected on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statements regarding this timeline and offered a critical evaluation of the realism behind such ambitions.
“Historically, we have seen claims that the war would be over in ’24 hours’—an assertion echoed during the Trump election campaign,” she noted, emphasizing that expectations of a swift resolution may not align with the complexities of the ongoing conflict. Berlinska remarked on the immense pressure on Ukraine as it navigates diplomatic negotiations that often favor stronger parties. Despite the challenges, she expressed confidence in Ukraine’s resilience, pointing out that after four years of full-scale invasion, Russia has only managed to gain a small fraction of Ukrainian territory.
Discussing the internal dynamics of the Ukrainian leadership, Berlinska highlighted her cautious support for established leadership when they uphold the nation’s territorial integrity. She declared her unwavering stance against conceding any Ukrainian territory without a fight, emphasizing the criticality of sustained leadership in the face of international pressures.
Looking ahead, Berlinska expressed mixed feelings regarding the appointment of Minister Fedorov. She regarded it as overdue, suggesting that the new minister must now address long-standing issues within the ministry that were not resolved under his predecessors.
“The Ministry of Defense is a complex institution, and handling existing structures can be more challenging than establishing new ones from scratch,” she warned. However, she acknowledged the optimism surrounding this appointment, noting that Fedorov is the first minister to recognize the potential of military technology. His prior involvement in de-regulatory initiatives related to military technology has fueled expectations among industry stakeholders.
Despite the hopeful sentiments, Berlinska urged that immediate miracles should not be expected within the quickly evolving landscape of military operations. She drew attention to the critical importance of timely procurement of modern equipment, citing previous delays that have had dire consequences.
Moreover, Berlinska emphasized the need for a robust technological infrastructure to mitigate the threats of Russian aggression. She asserted that the conflict requires innovative solutions by integrating advanced military technologies, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as a primary strategy to defend against Russian advances. She called for proactive measures, such as establishing educational initiatives for civilians to effectively respond to drone threats.
In terms of recruitment and societal dynamics, Berlinska highlighted the psychological warfare being waged by the Russians, drawing a parallel between the motivations of Russian soldiers and the narratives that sustain their government. She argued that it is vital for the Ukrainian narrative to remain coherent and united, preventing divisions that could undermine the war effort.
Looking at the potential future trajectory of the conflict, Berlinska expressed concern over the prospect of escalating violence, particularly the use of autonomous systems. She urged for a comprehensive approach that emphasises not just military victory, but also psychological resilience and societal preparedness.
As the conflict transitions into more advanced phases, Berlinska’s insights reveal a pressing need for strategic foresight, not just at military command levels, but also within civil society. She concluded with a call to action for the Ukrainian population to become proactive participants in their defense, drawing attention to the imperative of skill-building and resilience in the ongoing conflict.
This article sheds light on Maria Berlinska's insights into the complexities faced by Ukraine's Ministry of Defense under new leadership. Her perspectives underline the importance of technological innovation, psychological resilience, and societal unity in the ongoing conflict against Russia.