Ukraine marks Special Operations Forces Day

Ukraine marks Special Operations Forces Day on July 29.

According to Ukrinform, the military holiday was initiated by a presidential decree on July 26, 2016. On the same day, the head of state signed a law that completed the creation process and determined the legal status of the Special Operations Forces.

The Special Operations Forces are a separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which consists of well-trained and motivated soldiers capable of conducting subversive activities behind enemy lines, organizing guerrilla warfare in occupied territories, freeing important hostages or capturing enemies.

Starting from February 24, 2022, the Special Operations Forces actively joined the fight against the occupiers. In particular, SOF fighters took part in a special operation on Zmiinyi Island.

Special Operations Forces Commander, Brigadier General Viktor Khorenko, congratulating soldiers of the Special Operations Forces on their professional holiday, said they had conducted many successful operations that will go down in history.

"Soldiers of the Special Operations Forces! What makes us special? These are people who are dedicated to their work; these are successful operations that will go down in history, this is fear in the eyes of the enemy at the mention of the SOF; this is a mixture of professionalism, audacity and superhuman efforts in achieving our Victory! Continue to destroy the enemy in a way that only you can!" Khorenko said.

Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Serhii Shaptala, also congratulated Special Operations Forces soldiers on the holiday.

"Created during war and hardened in battles. Best of the best. The elite of the Armed Forces that are are merciless to the enemy and boundlessly devoted to Ukraine. Your surnames are confidential, and most of your exploits will remain under wraps for a long time," he said.

"You are entrusted with the most difficult tasks. In an open confrontation with the enemy or secretly operating behind enemy lines, you are a model of indomitable will, exceptional valor, courage and honor," Shaptala said.

Photo: Command of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine