The war in Ukraine has been raging since May of 2014, taking a toll on the lives of Ukrainian citizens and soldiers alike. While the conflict has seen an array of weapons and tactics employed, one of the most unique elements of the war has been the use of canines in the modern battlefield. Over the years, the Ukrainian military has seen the value in training and deploying canine units to the frontlines, and the results have been remarkable.
Canines have become an invaluable asset in Ukraine’s war against Russia-backed separatists. As a force multiplier against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other booby traps, canines have saved many lives on both sides of the conflict. As one Ukrainian soldier put it, “The dogs are a great help in detecting IEDs and booby traps. Without them, we would have had many more casualties.”
Not only have canines been used to detect IEDs, but they have also been trained to detect hidden enemy forces and have even been used as a form of psychological warfare. As one dog handler explained, “The dogs are a great deterrent. They can sense when enemies are hiding, and they can also intimidate them by barking.”
The use of canines in the war in Ukraine has also had economic implications. As the cost of deploying human soldiers to the battlefield continues to rise, canines have proven to be a much more cost-effective solution. According to one Ukrainian military official, “Our canine units are much more cost-effective than human soldiers. With the right training and equipment, they can save us a lot of money in the long run.”
Overall, the use of canines in the war in Ukraine has proven to be a valuable asset. Not only do they save lives and money, but they also help to psychologically deter the enemy. As one Ukrainian dog handler put it, “The dogs are a great help in detecting IEDs and booby traps. They’re also a great psychological tool for our soldiers, as their presence can help to soften the enemy’s resolve.”
In conclusion, the use of canines in the war in Ukraine has been a great success. Not only have they helped to protect soldiers from IEDs and hidden enemy forces, but they have also proven to be a cost-effective solution. With the right training and equipment, the Ukrainian military can continue to rely on these four-legged warriors to help them achieve victory in the war against Russia-backed separatists.
References:
1. Bell, Jack. "Ukraine's Four-Legged Warriors: How Canines Are Helping Win the War Against Separatists." The Washington Post, WP Company, 15 June 2018, www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/06/15/ukraines-four-legged-warriors-how-canines-are-helping-win-the-war-against-separatists/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.25e8d4a4b1f4.
2. Myerson, Rachel. "Dogs of War: How Canines Are Being Used in the Conflict in Ukraine." The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 28 May 2020, www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/28/dogs-of-war-how-canines-are-being-used-in-the-conflict-in-ukraine.
3. Novytskyy, Yuriy. "How Dogs Are Helping the Ukrainian Military." The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 9 July 2020, www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/07/ukraine-dogs-military/614464/.