A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the American Heritage Museum about an upcoming event with a subject line “Symposium on the Ukraine-Russia War and Drone Technology in Warfare.” While the majority of us are fully aware of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 (the annexation of Crimea) and 2022 (invasion of the Donbas region), information disseminated to the public is distilled by the media. Although certain outlets are more credible than others, this symposium was an opportunity for a deep dive into the conflict.

This event was presented by the Ukrainian Freedom Fund (UFF). The UFF is a U.S.-registered nonprofit and international NGO focused on supporting Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. Its stated mission is to support “a free, democratic and independent Ukraine.” The UFF is a hybrid NGO that is both a humanitarian charity and provides expert support in military operations from retired United States service members. With an advisory board consisting of General David D. McKiernan, USA, Lieutenant General David A Deptula, USAF, and a host of others with impressive rank, there’s no doubt that the UFF is a well-led organization.

The symposium assembled representatives from both Ukraine and the United States. From General McKiernan and General Deptula, to Admiral Thor Voronchenko, Ukraine Navy (Ret.), and Captain Andrii Ryzhenko, Ukraine Navy (Ret.), to several outstanding dignitaries, military and drone technology experts. Although I have attended all kinds of events and symposia over the years, this was my first time listening to an expert military panel from two countries discuss a current war, rather than those of the past (WWII).

When the symposium started with General Deptula discussing the war’s impact on U.S. policy, it quickly became apparent just how important it is for Ukraine to win. First, a message needs to be sent to Russia that invading a sovereign nation will be met with strong resistance. Ukrainians are defending their homeland and will continue to do so with vigor and vitality—or has Russia forgotten the feelings to protect one’s homeland during Operation Barbarossa?  Second, at the start of this war, it was clear that Russia was not performing well on the battlefield, but while certain assistance came swiftly from the United States and other nations, it didn’t come fast enough, as time gave Russia the opportunity to regroup.  Third, the technological advances in drones, technology, and lasers are unprecedented. If there’s one thing we all know from war, it’s that technology expands exponentially in times of conflict.

It’s one thing for me to be observant, but the other element of the symposium talked about the importance of military doctrine, education, and training. With discussions about Ukraine joining NATO, there are numerous critical matters that make UFF even more relevant in terms of Ukraine’s military to adopt certain principles for its own national security objectives. This is where respective military experts from Ukraine and the United States work together to build a framework of victory.

One area I found particularly fascinating was their next-generation weapon systems when it comes to asymmetric warfare. Ukraine is fighting a nation-state (a former superpower) with vast resources. This conflict isn’t symmetric like we witnessed during WWII; Ukraine needs to be inventive in its approach (e.g., the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War). Thus, Ukraine’s advances and use of military drones are akin to what we see in science fiction movies. Their method of deployment and development is so advanced that countries in the Gulf, because of the Iran War, are asking Ukraine for drone defense assistance.

The symposium accomplished just what it needed to do. It not only informed us about the current state of the war but also educated us about the complications and internal issues that arise during such times. At the end of the day, Ukraine is under attack by a belligerent  Russia that has, by its actions, caused a staggering loss of life that never should have occurred in the 21^st century.

Let us remember a quote from philosopher George Santayana—Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.