When war between government troops and Russian-backed separatists erupted in eastern Ukraine 7 years ago, Ukrainian soldiers fought in tattered sneakers and donated flak jackets while their inexperienced commanders often waffled —sometimes with deadly consequences.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Politico: Ukraine’s military poses a tougher challenge for Russia than in 2014
Pro-Russian extremists guard are seen in the center of Sloviansk on April 16, 2014.
