Innovation on the battlefield
For journalist and activist Maksym Eristavi, defence isn’t just a military term. It’s a mindset. And it starts at home — literally. In this gripping episode of Visionary, recorded at Here East and hosted by Georgina Godwin, Eristavi lays out how Ukrainians have turned innovation, identity, and DIY resilience into a powerful toolkit — and why Europeans urgently need to follow suit.
From his work exposing Russia’s colonial legacy to supporting frontline tech startups, Eristavi argues that Europe is still clinging to a peacetime mindset — and dangerously underestimating how fast things are changing. “You don’t wait until the door’s kicked in to install a lock,” he says. That applies to drones, defence investment, and even learning how to go a day without electricity.
This is an episode not just about Ukraine, but about Europe’s future — and why innovation and resilience are skills we all need to master.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why wartime innovation in Ukraine is reshaping the future of European defence.
How civilians can prepare for disruption — from home blackouts to cyber threats.
Why aligning defence tech with democratic values is essential in the age of AI.
Watch the episode on YouTube below, or listen via your preferred podcast app.
