This practical booklet is written for civilians – both as individuals and as civil society and business – for those who have not yet faced war and may still believe it cannot touch them.
It is a concise list of case studies, examples, lessons learned, based on the observations, from Ukrainian civilians who once thought the same way – some of whom were caught completely unprepared, others who prepared but discovered that preparation should have been very different when theory became reality. State and self-government officials, as well as private enterprise staff, may also find it useful to ensure their readiness for what may come – a new century warfare.
In addition to reflection, the booklet offers clear, practical guidance across three critical stages:
- how to prepare for war;
- how to survive the initial and most acute phase of an invasion;
- how to live under wartime conditions in the long run.
These recommendations are tailored to three groups of people:
- those who choose to defend the country with weapons;
- those who choose to stay in their country and support the national effort through civilian roles;
- those who chose to seek refuge.
As Russia continues to expand its arsenal and refine its experience in modern warfare – and as European intelligence services warn of a potential wider attack on Europe between 2027 and 2030 – our hope is that this blueprint will help you learn from the mistakes and hard-won lessons of others. What may have seemed like paranoia just a few years ago could be the very thing that saves your life in the years to come.
Authors: Elena Davlikanova, Lesia Ogryzko, Stanislav Boiko, Andriana Hamar, Volodymyr Lytvyn.
Contributors: Anastasiia Kudlenko, Yevhen Malik
*The report is produced by Sahaidachnyi Security Center with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Sahaidachnyi Security Center and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.