This report is intended to help MDT better formulate doctrine for technologically advanced warfare. The report consists of four chapters, which articulate the role of doctrine in modern militaries; a nuanced understanding of doctrine in the Ukrainian context; and the recommendations that our research has identified for a future system of Ukrainian doctrine. The report ends with recommendations for action to create this new system of doctrine.

Learning and remembering under fire

Proposals for a novel doctrinal system for Ukraine

Tristan Kreetz, Rebecca Lucas, Ondrej Palicka, Jacob Parakilas, Paul van Hooft

ResearchPublished Nov 10, 2025

This report forms part of RAND Europe's Support to Ukraine Priority Research (SUPER) project, intended to provide the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) with practical research to support the defence of Ukraine. Project SUPER consists of five parts: doctrinal requirements, defence technology policy development, defence technology futures, international cooperation and operational requirements. This report covers research findings in relation to doctrinal requirements. This report is intended to help MDT better understand the requirements for Ukrainian doctrine, particularly as they relate to uncrewed systems (UxS). The report consists of four chapters, which articulate the role of doctrine in modern militaries; a nuanced understanding of doctrine in the Ukrainian context; and the recommendations that our research has identified for a future system of Ukrainian doctrine. The report ends with recommendations for immediate follow-up action to begin creating this new system of doctrine creation.

Key Findings

  • Ukraine needs its own military-technological doctrine — other existing models are not fit for its purposes.
  • A 'Doctrinal Wiki' would offer the best balance between preserving Ukraine’s innovative advantages and solidifying lessons for the future.

Recommendations

  • Initiate a formal mapping process to identify contributors.
  • Begin with a focus on knowledge retention.
  • Address security concerns with tiered access.
  • Build the system and resulting doctrine iteratively.

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Kreetz, Tristan, Rebecca Lucas, Ondrej Palicka, Jacob Parakilas, and Paul van Hooft, Learning and remembering under fire: Proposals for a novel doctrinal system for Ukraine. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3833-1.html.
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