Ukraine's Creative Tactics to Evacuate Wounded Soldiers

Ukraine's soldiers are grappling with a formidable challenge. The constant presence of drones on the battlefield makes it perilous to move around, especially when trying to rescue wounded comrades.

The Drone Dilemma

Col. Valerii Vyshnivskyi, who collaborates with NATO to glean insights from Ukraine's war, reveals that soldiers often have to wait for adverse weather conditions like night, fog, or rain to obscure drone visibility. Alternatively, they create chaos using smoke grenades, though this can inadvertently draw Russia's attention.

Drones have revolutionized warfare. Both Ukraine and Russia employ them to surveil the battlefield and launch distant attacks, making movement extremely hazardous. The once-standard "golden hour" for evacuating wounded soldiers has extended to a "golden day," reflecting the stark shift in battlefield dynamics.

The Struggle for Safe Evacuation

Ground robots offer some respite, reducing risks for medical crews. However, Russian drones can track these robots, and technical glitches can leave wounded soldiers vulnerable. Evacuation routes, protected by anti-drone netting, remain under threat, with medical vehicles and facilities also at risk.

NATO's Preparedness

Col. Niall Aye Maung, another NATO collaborator, notes that some solutions have dual utility, aiding Ukraine now and the West in future conflicts. NATO is bracing for potential high-intensity conflicts, drawing lessons from Ukraine's experiences.

The Future of Combat Medical Care

American generals had anticipated these challenges years ago, predicting that future wars would complicate combat medical care. Today, drones and missiles pose significant threats, with both sides incurring heavy losses since the war's onset in 2022.

NATO recently hosted an event in London, showcasing medical technologies that could assist Ukraine and future conflicts. As the war in Ukraine continues, the lessons learned will be invaluable for NATO's preparedness.