Europe’s Security Through Ukraine: Briefing & Policy Roundtable with the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion

Ukraine House was honoured to welcome Oleksandr Yabchanka and Ivan Kutiepov, officers of the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, alongside Vasyl Arbuzov, Co-Founder of the non-profit organisation “Defence Robotics UA”. During the event, participants examined how Ukraine’s combat-tested military innovations, particularly in unmanned and robotic systems, are reshaping modern warfare and why Ukraine should be seen not only as a country defending itself, but as a critical contributor to Europe’s security. 

Frontline Innovation and the Speed of Modern War

A central focus of the briefing was how rapidly modern warfare is evolving at the frontline. Oleksii Makhrinskyi, Deputy Battalion Commander, demonstrated how technological innovations are evolving in real time. Originally a frontline infantry unit, since mid-summer 2025 the battalion has expanded its mission from defending physical terrain to include the defence of low-altitude airspace. As a result of the growing use of cheap mass drones, a new battlefield layer is forming — tactical air interception at drone scale. 

The emergence of FPV interceptors — small, high-speed drones designed to hunt and destroy other drones, illustrates a new battlefield layer: tactical air interception at drone scale. Developed, tested, and deployed within months, these systems cost a fraction of traditional air defence and show how frontline units have become innovation hubs rather than end-users. As Oleksii Makhrinskyi stressed: “Innovation cycles in modern war are measured in months, not years”. 

Civil Society as a Force Multiplier

The discussion also underscored the decisive role of civil society in sustaining Ukraine’s defence. Vasyl Arbuzov from Defence Robotics UA Foundation highlighted how volunteer engineers, small workshops, and decentralised hubs have become a strategic force multiplier. In Ukraine’s wartime realities, the structural integration of civic society converges to deliver rapid adaptation under conditions of constant attrition. This model stands in contrast to the EU's highly institutionalised innovation sector. Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that “civil society innovation must be structurally integrated, not tolerated ad hoc”. 

Legacy, Learning, and Strategic Cooperation 

Throughout the roundtable, speakers invoked the legacy of Dmytro "Da Vinci" Kotsiubailo. After the start of the full-scale invasion, Dmytro became the youngest battalion commander in the history of the Ukrainian Army leading a Separate Mechanized Battalion “Da Vinci’s Wolves”. His spirit and leadership continue to shape the battalion’s approach to warfare and cooperation. 

The event concluded with a clear call for deeper engagement. Officers encouraged Danish military professionals, defence experts, and industry representatives to engage directly with Ukraine through visits, joint learning, and cooperation with frontline units such as the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion. They mentioned that Ukraine should be treated as part of Europe’s defence innovation space as Ukraine’s wartime system offers valuable, transferable lessons. 

The discussion was met with strong interest from both Danish and Ukrainian participants, reflecting a broad engagement from civil society and a clear willingness to listen to, learn from, and support Ukraine’s military experience at the frontline.

We thank all speakers for sharing their frontline experience and strategic insights, and all visitors for their engagement and participation. The discussion underscored that Europe’s security is inseparable from Ukraine’s, and that sustained cooperation with Ukraine’s military, industry, and civil society is essential for building credible and future-ready European defence in an era of rapidly evolving warfare.