Ukrainian entrepreneur: what Ukraine would do differently returning to 2021 — and lessons for Latvia

In an opinion piece published by Delfi, a Ukrainian entrepreneur reflects on what Ukraine would have done differently if it could go back to 2021, before Russia's full-scale invasion, drawing on lessons from the subsequent war for the Baltic states, particularly Latvia.

The author recalls that in 2021 the threat of war was far from abstract for Ukrainians: fighting had already been ongoing in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions for eight years, and Crimea remained occupied. Even so, when analysts began warning of a possible large-scale Russian attack, most Ukrainians did not believe a full-scale war was likely, and those preparing for the worst-case scenario were often regarded as eccentric. Fortunately, military planners at the time worked through a range of possible and seemingly impossible scenarios.

Not about radical overhaul

The author stresses that the lessons drawn are not about completely restructuring a state for war, acquiring thousands of ballistic missiles, or rebuilding nuclear capability. Instead, the focus is on achievable, practical steps that would prove useful in any emergency and that generally strengthen a state — since a strong state is a less attractive target for aggression.

Latvia already moving in the right direction

According to the author, Latvia has received numerous signals over the past year pointing to potential Russian aggression, and the country is already taking steps in the right direction. The author notes that no army in the world has more relevant, up-to-date experience fighting Russia than Ukraine's: the Russia-Ukraine conflict has now lasted 12 years, and Ukraine continues to mount an asymmetric defense against a much larger and better-resourced adversary.

The piece highlights technology as a decisive factor that has given Ukraine an edge on the battlefield, arguing that fast access to such technology is precisely what Latvia needs. The article also references recent actions by Latvia's Ministry of Defence this summer, though further detail is behind a subscription paywall.

The article represents the author's personal opinion, which may not reflect the editorial position of Delfi.