Mission Command and the Russo-Ukraine War

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines the Russo-Ukraine War as a case study in command and control (C2), highlighting the enduring importance of mission command in large-scale combat operations. It contrasts Ukraine’s evolving adoption of decentralized execution, built on trust, shared understanding, and risk acceptance, with Russia’s rigid, centralized command culture rooted in Soviet tradition. Case studies from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Avdiivka, and Kursk illustrate how command philosophy, organizational culture, and technology has shaped battlefield outcomes. The chapter emphasizes that while emerging tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and digital command networks can enhance mission command, they cannot substitute for human judgement or a culture that empowers initiative. Ultimately, the war underscores that mission command, when institutionalized through education, training, and cultural reform, can provide a decisive strategic advantage in modern, multi-domain warfare.