In Episode 55 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast, we begin our two-part series focused on irregular warfare in Ukraine.

Our guests begin by exploring how Russia conceives and implements irregular warfare at the macro level. They then explain how it has been operationalized in Ukraine specifically over the past decade, before concluding with a discussion about the interaction between irregular and conventional warfare in Ukraine from 2014 through the lead-up to Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Micheal Kofman serves as research program director in the Russia Studies Program at the Center for Naval Analyses and as a fellow at the Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. His research focuses on Russia and the former Soviet Union, specializing in Russian armed forces, military thought, capabilities, and strategy. Previously, he served as a program manager and subject matter expert at the National Defense University, advising senior military and government officials on issues in Russia and Eurasia. Mr. Kofman is also a senior editor at War on the Rocks.

Kent DeBenedictis is currently an active duty army officer. He received his PhD from Kings College London and is the author of the book Russian ‘Hybrid Warfare’ and the annexation of Crimea: The Modern Application of Soviet Political Warfare, which provides the foundation for this two-part series. 

Laura Jones and Kyle Atwell are the hosts for Episode 55. Please reach out to Laura and Kyle with any questions about this episode or the Irregular Warfare Podcast.

The Irregular Warfare Podcast is a production of the Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI). We are a team of volunteers dedicated to bridging the gap between scholars and practitioners in the field of irregular warfare. IWI generates written and audio content, coordinates events for the IW community, and hosts critical thinkers in the field of irregular warfare as IWI fellows. You can follow and engage with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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Image: Russian forces and fighters from the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic in Novoaydar, Ukraine (credit: mil,ru, via Wikimedia Commons)