The Armed Forces of Ukraine are a key component of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, which, together with the National Guard of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and other units, defend Ukraine. According to the Constitution, they are obliged to defend the statehood of Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Armed Forces of Ukraine ensure the deterrence of armed aggression against Ukraine, the protection of air, surface and underwater space, and also participate in measures aimed at combating terrorism.

History

The Kievan state, better known as Kievan Rus, had a strong army. It included a professional army of the prince and a people's militia . In addition, under the control of Kievan Rus were the tribes of the Black Hoods, who defended the southern borders of the state with their cavalry. The army of Kievan Rus actively fought with the eastern nomadic tribes and the Byzantine Empire.

The Cossack state of the 15th–19th centuries was created from the army. It was a unique organization that can be called a military democracy. All issues related to the planning and organization of campaigns were decided at the general council. At the same time, there was also a military leadership, which was elected by the Cossacks. The Cossacks were considered one of the best warriors in Europe at that time. They successfully fought with the Moscow principality, the Tatars, Turkey, Poland, and took part in many European wars as volunteers.

Zaporizhian Sich - a military state that was founded in the lower reaches of the Dnieper River, for a time it was one of the strongest armies in the region. The Cossacks were distinguished by unsurpassed courage and resilience. The basis of the army was cavalry.

During World War I, Ukraine was divided between several empires. After the creation of the Ukrainian People's Republic, its army was created. In addition, during this period, units of the Free and Red Cossacks, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army of Father Makhno, etc. fought on the territory of Ukraine. In the western part of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Galician Army was created.

During World War II, about 2.5 million Ukrainians fought in the ranks of the Red Army. In addition, in 1942 - 1960, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army fought for Ukraine's independence on the territory of Ukraine.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, independent Ukraine inherited one of the most powerful military formations in Europe and the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world. However, without control over strategic warheads, Ukraine was forced to abandon nuclear weapons.

In 1994, Ukraine agreed to transfer these weapons to Russia, in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum, for disposal and became a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in exchange for economic compensation and guarantees from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom to respect Ukraine's independence and sovereignty within its existing borders.

Russian-Ukrainian War

The Russo-Ukrainian war began in 2014 with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and subsequent aggression in Donbas, where Russian military and pro-Russian militants seized parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In response, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which were then poorly equipped and disorganized after a long decline, began to rebuild their combat capability.

In 2014–2021, the Armed Forces of Ukraine underwent a profound transformation: the level of training was increased, equipment was modernized, and cooperation with NATO countries began. Thanks to this, Ukraine was able to deter the enemy on the demarcation line in the Joint Forces Operation zone.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion. The Armed Forces of Ukraine organized a counterattack, defended Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other major cities, and later launched successful counteroffensives in the north, east, and south of Ukraine. The war continues as of 2025, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine remain a key force of resistance and defense of state sovereignty.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine consist of units of the Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy, Airborne Assault Forces, Special Operations Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, and Unmanned Systems Forces. Each of these units has its own functions and performs combat missions.

Unique pioneers

The Defense Forces of Ukraine for the first time in world history:

• Destroyed a ship with a naval drone ;

• Destroyed a submarine with a cruise missile;

• They started shooting down Russian drones ;

• Destroyed a fighter jet with a naval drone using an air-to-air missile;

• Strategic bombers were destroyed by FPV drones , conducting a unique special operation "spider web".
 

Now the Ukrainian army is one of the strongest in the world. It is actively opposing the Russian army, which is much larger in size. Russian losses as of early June 2025 were: 1 million soldiers and officers, 414 aircraft. 337 helicopters, 10,915 tanks, 28 ships and tankers, 28,934 artillery systems, 51,348 vehicles and tanks with fuel and lubricants.

Today, the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression is still ongoing.

Do you want to be a part of history? Join the brave people and fill out the questionnaire at the link.