National Resistance: An overview of the Ukrainian Comprehensive Defense System

Drawing from the experience of countering russia's armed aggression, Ukraine has re-evaluated its approaches to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state. The concept of national resistance—a system that consolidates the efforts of the military, civilian authorities, and citizens in the fight for Ukraine's independence—has emerged as a powerful tool in countering the russian aggressor.

“For the third consecutive year, our military have been holding off the hostile russian army, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. All citizens of Ukraine must contribute to supporting the Defence Forces. This encompasses maintaining law and order and countering saboteurs in government-controlled areas, as well as supporting the Special Operations Forces in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. To bring the Victory closer, every Ukrainian must be aware of their role in protecting the country during military operations and emergencies. Strengthening military-patriotic education is crucial, as it nurtures unwavering motivation to defend the Motherland,” highlights First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The Ministry of Defence provides a detailed explanation of how the concept of National Resistance functions and why it is crucial for our Victory.

What is the concept of National Resistance?

National Resistance refers to a series of actions aimed at protecting Ukraine through the full involvement of its citizens. National Resistance provides every Ukrainian with the chance to contribute to the defense of the country.

The primary objective is to enhance the nation's defense capabilities, ensure a comprehensive defense of Ukraine, and support the readiness of Ukrainian citizens for national resistance.

The National Resistance leadership system is structured to ensure effective coordination of all resistance components. The President of Ukraine, in his role as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, oversees leadership through the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

What are the components of National Resistance?

National Resistance consists of three components, each fulfilling its specific tasks. 

The first component is Territorial Defense, which safeguards critical infrastructure, upholds law and order, and counters sabotage groups in government-controlled areas.

The second component is the Resistance Movement, which is active in areas where Ukrainian sovereignty must be reinstated. This can involve both information operations and direct physical resistance against the occupiers.

The third component involves preparing citizens for National Resistance. This component ensures that individuals acquire the required knowledge and skills to protect their land. It covers both military training alongside education on how to act in emergencies.

What tasks does Territorial Defense perform?

Territorial Defense units carry out a broad range of tasks, from safeguarding critical facilities to countering sabotage groups. During emergencies, they provide assistance to rescue services and help secure the safety of the civilian population.

An essential task of Territorial Defense is also to contribute to enhancing the protection of the state border and creating conditions for the safe operation of government authorities. In times of war, Territorial Defense units often become the first line of defense for their communities against various threats.

Territorial Defense is also actively involved in the information struggle, conducting activities to counter enemy information operations. Furthermore, it assists in delivering support to the population, which is of critical importance during martial law.

What are the components of Territorial Defense?

Territorial Defense consists of three interconnected components:

• Military;
• Civilian;
• Military-civilian.

The military component includes military command bodies, military units of the Territorial Defence Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other forces and capabilities of the Defence and Security Forces involved in carrying out territorial defense tasks.

The civilian component includes state authorities and local self-governance authorities. They provide administrative support, facilitate coordination with the population, and resolve matters related to territorial defense activities.

The military-civilian component includes the headquarters of territorial defense areas (districts) and volunteer formations from territorial communities. They function as the liaison between military and civilian structures.

Who commands Territorial Defense?

The Territorial Defense system operates under a clear hierarchical framework. At the national level, leadership is exercised by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces.

Within the military land domain, leadership is exercised by the heads of regional military command bodies through the relevant headquarters. 

In every territorial defense zone and area, leadership and headquarters coordinate actions at the local level.

What tasks does the Resistance Movement perform?

The Resistance Movement forms part of the National Resistance and operates in areas requiring the reinstatement of Ukraine's sovereignty over temporarily occupied territories.

The main tasks of the Resistance Movement include setting up a resistance network, executing special operations, and disrupting the occupiers' activities. A vital role of the Resistance Movement involves executing information and psychological operations and engaging in intelligence activities.

The specific methods of operations are classified as state secrets. The leadership of the Resistance Movement is exercised by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the Commander of the Special Operations Forces.

What are the objectives of preparing Ukrainian citizens for National Resistance?

Preparing citizens for National Resistance aims to foster patriotic awareness and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to defend the country.

Key tasks include raising citizens' awareness of their role in Ukraine's defense and training them to operate in combat and emergencies. A particular focus is given to military-patriotic education, which develops a strong commitment to defending the Motherland.