You're reading: Ukraine to create special operations forces under Ukraine-NATO program for 2015

The NATO-Ukraine Annual National Program for 2015 will include the development of special operations forces as an interspecific military branch and will increase the number of Armed Forces of Ukraine combat personnel.

“Efforts will be aimed at special operations forces development as an interspecific military branch and increasing [the number of] combat personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by forming additional military units,” reads the program, which was approved by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in a decree dated April 23, which was posted on his website.

The reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2015 also includes the implementation of conceptual and program documents towards creating the special operations forces as a separate military branch, which requires consultations with NATO experts on transforming and modernizing existing forces and facilities.

“[The country will] form special operations forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and secure consultations with NATO experts on transformation and modernization in order to create special operations forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” reads the program.

As part of the program, the legal status, training procedures and use of special operations forces must be defined by law.

The program also involves the formation and creation of a military agency, the Joint Special Operations Command.

The Defense Ministry and the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are to develop and secure the joint implementation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, NATO 2015-2016 Cooperation Roadmap.