Ukraine 35 Years Old – The Ukrainian Army Has Become Europe’s Most Powerful
From a hollow, underfunded force in 2014, Ukraine’s military became a battle-tested, drone-powered army. Ukrainian domestic weapons production, combat experience, and innovation have transformed Europe’s security balance, creating a powerful deterrent to Russia – even without NATO.
In 1991, Ukraine was a nation divided and vulnerable, with no military capable of defending its borders. The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) began as a shadow of a force, ill-equipped and disorganized, with poorly paid soldiers and a lack of resources. The army was constantly understaffed, and in 2014, a young Ukrainian officer faced a hostile crowd in Mariupol without any air support or artillery backing.
Over the years, Russia attempted to dismantle the AFU during its invasions of 2014 and 2022, but the Ukrainian military remained resilient. In 2022, Major General Mykhailo Drapaty became the supreme commander of the AFU, leading a force that had grown to become Europe's most powerful and technologically advanced army. Today, the AFU boasts a formidable arsenal, including the 155mm Bohdana howitzer, Neptune cruise missiles, and a staggering number of drones, manufactured domestically.
With over four million drones delivered to troops in 2025 and projected to reach seven million in 2026, the Ukrainian military has transformed modern warfare with drone technology. The AFU's unique approach to air defense, using thousands of acoustic sensors and advanced data analysis, has proven effective against Russian drones, minimizing losses to Russian cruise missiles.
Ukraine's success has forced Russia to reckon with a powerful adversary, one that has grown in both strength and efficiency over the past 35 years of independence.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
