12 Days, 4,000 Kilometres, One Message: Ukraine Is an Asset to European Security

In September, the German-Ukrainian Bureau (DUB) organised and facilitated a series of expert exchange discussions in Germany between members of the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and German stakeholders from politics, expert communities, and the defence industry. Over the course of two weeks, the Ukrainian delegation visited seven cities across six federal states and held more than 20 high-level meetings.

The visit focused on intensive professional exchanges between Ukrainian military personnel and German experts from the Bundeswehr, politics, the defence industry, and research institutions. The programme included meetings with the German Army Command, the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Federal Foreign Office, and members of the Bundestag; an industry roundtable at the Federation of German Industries (BDI); events at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP); a press briefing; a keynote address by the brigade commander; and numerous company visits. Exchanges with civil society and the Ukrainian diaspora were also part of the programme.

The central question was: What can Germany learn from Ukraine's experience, and how can these lessons be translated into practice more quickly?

Warfare is evolving rapidly. Drones and unmanned systems are reshaping the battlefield. According to the brigade, the so-called kill zone — the area in which drones can detect and engage virtually any movement — has expanded from approximately 5 kilometres to 30–40 kilometres. The boundaries between the frontline and rear areas are becoming increasingly blurred. Resupply, troop rotations, and casualty evacuations take place under constant surveillance. Evacuations can take days, which is why combat medics carry medical supplies sufficient for three days.

The expert discussions covered a wide range of topics, from UAVs and UGVs to electronic warfare, reconnaissance, communications, artificial intelligence, and military medical care.

The brigade outlined three concrete expectations of its German partners. None of them concerned money:

→ Speed: Test with us in weeks, not years. Prototypes rather than finished products.

→ Sustainability: Spare parts, documentation, and the right to carry out repairs directly within the unit.

→ Direct engagement: German engineers working alongside the Ukrainian soldiers who operate these technologies, and instructors training together.

The personal dimension of the visit was equally important. Throughout the programme, the delegation repeatedly expressed its gratitude for Germany's support for Ukraine. Expressing thanks in person, sharing knowledge, and strengthening partnerships were also essential aspects of the visit.

The visit took place as part of our Defence Track, an area of DUB's work that promotes expert exchanges on security and defence issues between Ukrainian and German stakeholders.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the six members of the delegation for their daily service in defending Ukraine, their openness, and their trust, as well as to all partners who contributed to this intensive professional exchange.

The visit was made possible through charitable donations from Quantum Systems and ARX Robotics.