On May 27, Ukraine celebrates Special Operations Forces Day. On this day in 2014, fighters of the special forces regiment, with the support of fighters from other units, defeated detachments of russian militants and liberated the Donetsk airport terminal from them.

10 years ago, in 2016, the Special Operations Forces were created on the basis of the special forces regiments – the youngest and most modern component of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their credo is the advantage of quality over quantity.

After the start of the full-scale russian invasion in February 2022, soldiers of the Special Operations Forces distinguished themselves in the hottest areas of the front. They were in the defense of Kyiv, in the liberation of Zmiiniy Island in the Black Sea, in the lightning counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, in the liberation of Kherson, in the battle for Bakhmut, and captured drilling platforms in the Black Sea. In 2024-2025, they took an active part in the operation in the Kursk region of russia, where, among other things, they captured soldiers of the North Korean army who participated in the war on the side of the russians.

Soldiers of the Special Operations Forces often perform the most difficult and dangerous tasks. Their units are the first to enter the enemy's rear by land, sea and air, preparing the basis for operations to liberate Ukraine from the invaders. Their combat path is a chronicle of unique tasks that have already entered the history of military art.

In addition, the Special Operations Forces are engaged in organizing the Resistance Movement in temporarily occupied territories. Psychological operations units plan and carry out tasks to influence the enemy both on the front line and in the deep rear.

The specifics of the activities of the Special Operations Forces often make their missions classified, so they become known either only in general terms or after a significant period of time. Their symbol is a werewolf, which symbolizes a warrior with supernatural abilities.

Servicemen who are going to serve in special operations forces units undergo special selection, and then special training. Experienced instructors teach recruits various military specialties. Foreign volunteers can also be selected and join special operations forces units, undergo appropriate training and acquire unique skills and military experience. In particular, the 140th and 144th Special Operations Forces Centers invite foreign volunteers to their ranks.

140th Special Operations Forces Center 144th Special Operations Forces Center

As the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted in his congratulatory address, “Special Operations Forces are one of the most effective components of our defense. Precise operations and always important results for the state. Soldiers prove their strength, endurance and professionalism every day in the fight for Ukraine.”

“You are the elite of the Ukrainian army,” said the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Syrsky. “Your units work beyond the limits of the possible – they are the first to enter the enemy’s rear by land, air, water and underwater. Where others see tasks of superhuman complexity, you act decisively, imperceptibly and effectively. "Today, in the conditions of a full-scale war, you prove your effectiveness every day, delivering pinpoint and painful blows to the occupiers both on the territory of Ukraine and in the aggressor country. Your contribution to the future victory is invaluable".