How Ukraine's Military Prepared for Invasion Without Authorization for Martial Law

Zaluzhnyi's Actions on the Eve of Invasion

According to ХВИЛЯ: Preparing the Defense Without Permission for Martial Law

A Guardian investigation has revealed the actions of Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, and the military leadership in the lead-up to Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The report details their attempts to secure authorization for martial law, as well as the independent measures they took to prepare the nation's defenses. This period was marked by intense intelligence warnings of an imminent attack from Russia.

Key facts uncovered include Valerii Zaluzhnyi's move into official housing on the General Staff compound in mid-January. In February, the top military command conducted staff exercises modeling potential invasion scenarios, including an assault on Kyiv. On February 22, at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, Zaluzhnyi and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov pushed for the declaration of martial law. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected this proposal, opting instead for a state of emergency.

Measures Taken by Ukrainian Forces

On the final night before the invasion, Ukrainian military units implemented a series of defensive preparations. Specifically, they:

• mined the floor of the Black Sea;
• redeployed units to strategic positions.

These actions proved to be a crucial factor in the eventual victory in the Battle for Kyiv. Reflecting on the situation, Valerii Zaluzhnyi stated that martial law should have been declared in January, or at the latest in February. He likened the defensive preparations to "boxing against Mike Tyson," emphasizing the critical importance of readiness for the immense challenge ahead.

Consequently, the actions of the Ukrainian military command before the invasion demonstrate significant awareness and preparedness to repel aggression, despite the lack of official permission for martial law. These events underscore the complex dilemma faced by Ukrainian leadership on the brink of war. The military's proactive defense efforts highlight their strategic foresight and readiness for potential threats, even as the refusal to declare martial law raises questions about civil-military communication during that critical period. Such details are vital for analyzing Ukraine's military and political strategy in the face of external aggression.