(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Russian troops fighting in Ukraine were misled by their own commanders and told they were resisting a Nato invasion rather than taking part in an assault on a sovereign state, according to a former British Army officer now based in Kyiv.
Simon Woodiwiss, a security specialist and director of the British company Objective Ukraine, said Russian soldiers, including officers, had been informed by senior commanders that Nato forces had entered Ukraine and that Russian troops were pushing them back to defend the country. He made the remarks during an interview conducted in Kyiv as Ukraine continued to face sustained Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Mr Woodiwiss said some captured Russian personnel believed they were fighting Polish troops advancing towards Kyiv, after being told Nato forces had entered Ukraine from the west. He added that this narrative had been repeated even to officers, reinforcing the scale of misinformation within Russian ranks.
Speaking from Kyiv, Mr Woodiwiss described daily life in the Ukrainian capital during one of the coldest winters in recent years. He said repeated Russian strikes on critical infrastructure had led to widespread power cuts, water shortages, and reduced heating, particularly affecting older apartment buildings dependent on centralised systems. Despite the disruption, he said residents continued with daily life, supported by local authorities and community initiatives.
He noted improvements in the city’s response after renewed efforts by the Kyiv city administration, following encouragement from the Ukrainian president. Cafes and businesses have allowed residents to charge devices during outages, contributing to what he described as a strong sense of solidarity among residents.
Mr Woodiwiss said Ukrainian air defence remains under pressure due to the scale of Russian missile and drone attacks. While additional air defence systems from allies have begun to arrive, he said Ukraine faces the challenge of defending a vast area against threats coming from multiple directions. He stressed that more equipment is needed to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
He also highlighted the role of Ukraine’s Territorial Defence Forces, describing them as a vital component of the country’s security structure. These volunteer units, made up of civilians with regular jobs, carry out regular duties despite receiving no pay. They operate machine guns and other weapons, often supported by regular military units using man portable air defence systems.
Mr Woodiwiss said a new initiative in Kyiv would allow foreign residents to volunteer time to support territorial defence units, strengthening protection for parts of the capital and boosting morale. He added that the move could also help maintain international attention on Ukraine at a time when global focus risks shifting elsewhere.
The former British officer warned of the risks posed by Russian attacks near nuclear facilities. He referred to recent incidents affecting substations linked to the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, which temporarily lost off site power before it was restored. He said such disruptions are dangerous, as reliable electricity is essential to maintain cooling systems, and noted similar risks previously faced at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Mr Woodiwiss rejected attempts by Moscow to downplay the seriousness of these incidents, saying interference with nuclear safety infrastructure is highly irresponsible. He said that while emergency generators can mitigate risk, sustained attacks raise serious concerns for regional and international safety.
Addressing wider security conditions, he said Kyiv remains a relatively controlled environment despite aerial threats. Curfew restrictions have been relaxed to allow access to aid centres, and he said Ukrainian security services and police continue to manage risks effectively.
Mr Woodiwiss also commented on conditions on the front line, describing severe cold, shortages of infantry, and the increasing threat posed by drones. He said Ukraine has adapted tactics over time, including the use of protective measures in trench systems, and stressed the importance of manpower in holding ground.
He said Russian forces have suffered from poor training, leadership, and morale, and that misinformation at the start of the full scale invasion in 2022 left many soldiers unclear about their mission. He added that the Ukrainian armed forces continue to adapt through technology, feedback from the front, and structural reform.
Despite the ongoing war, Mr Woodiwiss said Ukraine remains open for business and investment for those who understand the operating environment. He described Kyiv as a functioning capital where economic activity continues, supported by local expertise and international partnerships.
