Biletsky: Civilian Training a Decade Ago Could Have Reduced 2022 War Losses.

The Critical Need for Civilian Preparedness

According to Novyny.live: During the All-Ukrainian Forum 'NAKSSPROTIV 2026' on March 12, Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, stressed the vital importance of mass civilian combat training. He argued that systematic preparation could have substantially lowered the high casualty rates among volunteers in 2022, which resulted from a lack of organized instruction.

“This unorganized volunteerism has a negative side, which is wrong not to mention. It is, in fact, the unpreparedness of these people,” noted Andriy Biletsky.

Biletsky further stated that if Ukraine had implemented a ten-year mass civilian training program earlier, the situation on the front lines would likely be far more favorable.

“I am convinced that the front line would now be significantly closer to the Ukrainian border,” he added.

The Expanding Role of Drone Warfare

In a related development, Ukrainian forces are set to receive twice as many drones in 2023 as in previous years. The Defense Procurement Agency has contracted record volumes of multicopters for the front, underscoring the growing significance of unmanned technology in modern warfare. As of March 12, Ukrainian military units are inflicting substantial losses on the enemy, demonstrating the effectiveness of these new technologies in combat.

Biletsky's statements emphasize the necessity of a systematic approach to civilian training in wartime, which could significantly impact battlefield outcomes. The increasing reliance on drone technology also indicates that Ukraine is actively adapting to new battlefield challenges, a factor that may alter the course of military operations in the near future. This dual focus on human and technological preparedness is central to Ukraine's defense strategy.