Offense is the Best Defense

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The Evolution of Ukrainian Cyber Capabilities and Lessons for Europe

TL;DR

Since 2014, Ukraine has been the target of persistent and sophisticated cyberattacks designed to disrupt its critical infrastructure, weaken its economy, and undermine public confidence. Now, after nearly four years of full-scale war and many prior of non-kinetic confrontation, Ukraine’s cyber defense architecture has evolved from an initially reactive posture into a robust, multi-layered system integrating civilian, military, and private-sector components. Throughout the years, Ukraine shifted from a purely defensive posture to a bold offensive cyber strategy, actively targeting critical Russian military, governmental, and economic assets to disrupt adversary operations and impose strategic costs.

From this analysis emerge critical lessons for Europe, highlighting the critical need to strengthen the cyber workforce, deepen cooperation between public and private sectors, and adopt a political approach that treats cyber-enabled hybrid threats as a permanent and foundational element of the security landscape.

Note: The analysis cut-off date for this report was November 15, 2025.
Authors: Bogdana Shynkarenko, Mael Sarp, and Joseph Montrey

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