More than 600 days of conflict have brought deep experience to a country. It’s not just about strikes, counter-strikes, drones, and battle tanks; it’s also about the morale of troops and civilians. The effort also supports the Ukrainian government’s aim to shield millions from discouragement or sadness. Christmas greetings exchanged between soldiers in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia and their families across the country reflect that spirit.
Since last autumn, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has been sharing summaries on television and social networks to guide how to speak with a soldier at the war frontline. The simplified guide centers on five clear indicators that align with ordinary sense rather than formal psychological terminology. The goal is not to worry or upset the service members, and most crucially, not to give information to the enemy.
Ukrainian military officials have described it as “Tips for Communicating with Someone in the Military,” applicable to all chats, conversations, and messages on social networks, phone calls, or remote discussions.
Do not give information
The first rule is almost a command with the strongest military weight: do not reveal the exact location of units or details about their composition or function. Revealing positions carries immense risk, a lesson written in blood across recent history. One notorious example involved a building turned into barracks in Makiyivka near Donetsk, where 89 soldiers were killed on New Year’s Eve in 2022 after Ukrainian artillery data had already pointed to their positions. Soldiers were celebrating the holiday with their families on their phones, a moment exploited by hostile forces.
Beyond locations and missions, another critical piece of advice is the principle of keeping some matters in standby, balancing secrecy with morale. The guideline suggests avoiding unnecessary details about deployments and travel plans that could become targets in the fog of war.
As the war drags on across fronts, fatigue and the longing for relief dominate conversations. This tension—between truth and morale—can significantly affect the spirit of the troops and the communities backing them.
Don’t worry
While the first guideline carries tactical weight, the third counsel may carry the greatest psychological value: avoid dwelling on personal problems that cannot be solved immediately. Do not let distant issues threaten or strain relationships from afar. This echoes a long-standing code of conduct observed by Spanish soldiers stationed abroad, who often chose to discuss problems only when they were resolved, maintaining resilience and focus during stressful assignments.
Reports from the field describe soldiers deployed abroad who maintain a disciplined approach to conversation, choosing to shield partners from unresolved tensions until they are ready to address them. The aim is to prevent conversations from becoming heavy or disruptive while staying connected and supportive.
The Ukrainian guide concludes with two strategies to keep talks light and hopeful. The fourth tip invites conversations about everyday life and offers words of encouragement. The fifth urges ending chats on a positive note, sustaining morale and mutual support among soldiers and families.
To help citizens manage morale changes, Ukrainian defense forces also provide channels for families to seek guidance and support when needed, ensuring there is a path to solidarity and assistance during difficult times.