Reflections

When we founded the Peace Through Strength Institute, we did so with a clear thesis.

Foreign conflict is not distant. It is directly tied to American security, American readiness, and American strength.

From that foundation, we established a three-pillar framework:

• Partnership
• Arm the ally to the teeth
• Sanctions and economic pressure on the enemy

This was not theory. It was a foundation for informing and shaping how the United States approaches modern conflict.

We began by listening. Through polling, we sought to understand how Americans view Ukraine, Russia, and the broader geopolitical landscape. We studied how our defense budget is structured around foreign conflicts, not just what is funded, but whether it aligns with the reality of modern warfare.

Ukraine became our first area of focus.

From Theory to Action

We engaged congressional offices to help elevate the importance of drones and lessons learned from Ukraine into the national conversation, including in the NDAA. It was encouraging to see key offices recognize the importance of that effort and carry it forward.

We then informed 14 congressional offices as they prepared and submitted a letter to the Department of Defense, reinforcing a simple but critical idea:

The United States must systematically learn from Ukraine.

This is how Washington works. It is a process. It builds over time.

And yet, as we moved through that process, one thing became increasingly clear.

Something was missing.

The Missing Piece: Ground Truth

Washington has spent time in Ukraine. Members of Congress, military leaders, and policymakers have visited. That matters.

But there is a difference between visiting and fully understanding.

What was missing was real-time ground truth from the front lines.

Direct insight from those operating inside the most advanced drone war in history.

So we made a decision.

If Washington could not fully access that ground truth, we would convene it and bring it forward.

The Ground Truth Symposium

We hosted the Ground Truth Symposium at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, a bipartisan and symbolic venue.

We convened:

• Five Ukrainian warfighters directly from the front lines
• Three experienced experts connected to the defense and technology ecosystem
• Members of Congress who understand the stakes

We were honored to have participation from:

• Congressman Don Bacon
• Senator Richard Blumenthal
• Congressman Pat Harrigan

Each of these leaders recognizes that this is not only about Ukraine. It is about U.S. and NATO force readiness.

With limited time to prepare, the room filled with congressional staff, Pentagon personnel, and press. The level of engagement reinforced a clear signal:

There is strong demand for ground truth.

What We Saw

Over four hours, one thing became clear.

Modern warfare has fundamentally changed.

This is a drone-dominated battlefield, evolving in real time.

The warfighters spoke from direct experience. Their insights on drone operations, survivability, and battlefield adaptation provided a level of clarity that is rarely accessible in Washington.

Congressman Harrigan, in particular, leaned in with direct and rigorous questions, helping bridge battlefield reality with U.S. military thinking.

The response was unmistakable.

People are seeking this level of clarity.

Lessons Learned

We did not just elevate lessons. We learned our own.

First, speed matters more than we fully appreciated. In this war, information becomes outdated quickly. What may appear current in Washington can already be obsolete on the battlefield. Going forward, anyone we place on stage must be operating with the most recent ground truth possible.

Second, the warfighters must remain the center of gravity. In future convenings, they will carry the vast majority of the discussion. Their voice is the signal.

Third, clarity and accessibility matter. Translation, structure, and flow must ensure that every participant can fully engage with what is being shared.

Fourth, venue considerations matter. While the Capitol Visitor Center provided an iconic setting, it also introduced operational complexity. We will apply those lessons moving forward.

After the Symposium

The response following the symposium has been significant.

We are now fielding direct questions from Pentagon staff and military personnel:

• How do we counter drones at scale
• How do we equip dismounted soldiers for this environment
• How do we respond to emerging threats such as fiber optic drones

These are not theoretical questions. They reflect immediate operational needs.

We also convened a series of private sessions with key stakeholders. While those discussions remain confidential, they represent meaningful progress in strengthening alignment between the United States and Ukraine.

Gratitude

This effort was built by many.

To our team, our volunteers, our partners, and those who supported behind the scenes, thank you.

To the congressional offices and staff who engaged with this effort, thank you.

To the translators, AV professionals, and the Capitol Visitor Center team, thank you.

And most importantly, to the Ukrainian warfighters and experts who joined us:

You made this possible.

You stepped away from your responsibilities and took on real risk to ensure your experience could be understood.

Now you are back where it matters most.

Looking Forward

The Ground Truth Symposium was not an endpoint.

It was a starting point.

It reinforced a core belief:

Bringing real, unfiltered battlefield insight into Washington is necessary for informed decision-making and force readiness.

This will shape how we move forward as an Institute and how we continue to inform and convene around modern conflict.

We are just getting started.

We are honored to lead this effort.

We have deep respect for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and for the men and women who continue to operate under extraordinary conditions.

God bless them.

God bless America.

Glory to Ukraine.