Modern warfare requires innovation, a clear understanding of national identity, and a realistic approach to technological and military training, as well as a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.

Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the 429th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems “ACHILLES” and member of the Kyiv City Council, made these statements during the 11th Kyiv Youth Security Forum "GEN W²: CODING THE FUTURE".

Look around. There are many young people, but hardly any men. Isn't this the technology the enemy uses – to force the male population to leave by age 22? Young people are afraid of war because no one explains that it presents both risks and opportunities. It is an opportunity to protect what is most precious by taking up arms. Bismarck once said that the enemy advances where the priests have lost. Today, the enemy is advancing where we have lost – in the realms of meaning and memory," Yurii mentioned.

When discussing the national idea, Yuriy Fedorenko emphasized that it has yet to be formulated. The younger generation should take on this task, he believes. "What is the Ukrainian national idea? Everyone will have their own answer. It has not yet been formulated. It is now the task of your generation to create a formula that everyone will know," the commander noted.

He also addressed the issue of partnership assistance and the realistic assessment of allies' combat capabilities, drawing a parallel between training an athlete and training the army. "Everyone loves Usyk (boxer Oleksandr Usyk – ed. note). But could you defeat Tyson Fury if you watched his training sessions, analyzed his tactics, and reviewed his fights? No. Training is necessary. The same applies to partners. Observing war does not mean being prepared to fight in such conditions."

In this context, he emphasized the need to develop training mechanisms that would allow Western officers to gain real experience. "If our partners cannot provide a military contingent, we must find opportunities and resources to involve other military structures that can perform combat tasks for compensation. This will allow your officers to test tactics and be as prepared as possible."

The military cited the example of Russia and North Korea, "Russia involved North Korea, not because it lacks manpower. It's an agreement that allows their officers to gain experience fighting in Ukraine. At the same time, NATO countries do not have such experience because they are observers.”

"To become champions, you have to train with the best. Technology is important, but so are having a clear national idea, raising a strong young generation, and remembering our heroes," the military concluded.

Open Ukraine is an international foundation established by Arseniy Yatsenyuk in July 2007. Its goal is to strengthen and develop Ukraine's authority in the world. The foundation organizes the Kyiv Security Forum every year. This leading international discussion platform focuses on issues of war and peace. The foundation also organizes the Kyiv Youth Security Forum to develop a new generation of Ukrainian leaders.