"The soldier stands as the most crucial instrument of war,

 "The soldier stands as the most crucial instrument of war, yet not everyone is inclined to fight, and those who are willing may not necessarily possess the optimal qualifications for such a role.

Ukrainian society has garnered praise from numerous Western political leaders as a beacon of national cohesion and resilience. The determination of the Ukrainian people to resist Russian aggression has been lauded by academics, with extensive studies delving into the roots of this resolve. However, despite such robust unity and resilience, a significant portion of the population in times of war seeks to evade military conscription, either by fleeing the country or hiding within its borders.

Another concerning aspect revealed by the conflict is the reluctance of younger generations to defend their homeland. By late 2023, the average age of Ukrainian soldiers stood at forty-three years old. It is evident that such middle-aged individuals may not match the physical capabilities and performance levels of a younger army. European nations, facing smaller pools of available manpower, must heed these observations seriously in their national defense planning. Immediate legislative and executive measures are imperative to avert a situation akin to Ukraine's current predicament, which would severely compromise their already limited capacity to mount an effective defense against aggression.

The conflict in Ukraine underscores that a government's military and other resources alone may prove insufficient in defending a nation. Both domestic and international commercialization of the battlefield and the crowdsourcing of intelligence collection and targeting have emerged as significant force multipliers, posing formidable challenges for the Russian forces. In addition to substantial legislative initiatives, the integration and utilization of non-governmental and non-military capabilities into national defense systems necessitate fundamental changes in the training and education of future European military leaders, along with the comprehensive integration of these capabilities into national exercise programs."

WHAT ARE THE LESSONS FOR INDIA?