The Ukrainian Ground Forces (Ukrainian: Сухопутні війська Збройних сил України, abbreviation СВЗСУ, romanised: Sukhoputni viiska Zbroinykh syl Ukrainy), also known as the Ukrainian Army, constitute the land‑force branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are one of eight principal components of Ukraine’s military and are tasked with conducting ground warfare, defending national territory, and supporting joint operations with other services.
Overview
- Active dates: 1917–1922; 1991–present
- Country: Ukraine
- Headquarters: Kyiv, Ukraine
- Size: Approximately 250,000 personnel (including both active‑duty soldiers and contract servicemen)【...】
- Command structure: Subordinate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine; the current commander is Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov【...】
- Anniversary: Army Day, 6 December
Historical Development
The ground forces trace their lineage to the army of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1922) and later to formations of the Soviet Army stationed in Ukrainian territory. Following Ukraine’s declaration of independence in 1991, the Soviet‑era units on Ukrainian soil were transferred to the newly created Ukrainian Armed Forces. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the force suffered from chronic under‑funding, resulting in a decline of operational readiness and a reduction in active personnel.
The 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of the war in Donbas prompted a rapid expansion and modernization programme. Personnel numbers rose from roughly 130 000 in early 2014 to over 200 000 by mid‑2015, with the Ground Forces accounting for about 169 000 of those troops by 2016. Since then, the branch has received substantial foreign military aid, introduced new training regimens, and begun fielding upgraded main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery systems.
Organisation and Structure
The Ukrainian Ground Forces are organised into four regional Operational Commands—West, East, North, and South—each responsible for administrative control of subordinate units. Below the operational‑command level, the primary combat formations are brigades, which include mechanised, tank, artillery, airborne, and mountain units. As of the mid‑2020s, the force comprises more than 60 manoeuvre brigades, reflecting a shift from a division‑centric Soviet model to a more flexible brigade‑based structure. Supporting elements include reconnaissance battalions, anti‑aircraft missile regiments, and specialised support units.
Equipment and Modernisation
Historically equipped with Soviet‑origin hardware, the Ground Forces have increasingly incorporated Western‑supplied platforms. Modernisation efforts have focused on replacing obsolete tanks with newer models such as the T‑84 Oplot, augmenting infantry mobility with updated infantry fighting vehicles (e.g., BMP‑2, BTR‑4), and expanding precision‑fire capabilities through new artillery systems. Logistic, communications, and command‑and‑control systems have also been upgraded to improve interoperability with NATO partners.
Operational Engagements
Since its re‑establishment, the Ukrainian Ground Forces have participated in a range of international and domestic operations, including:
- The Bosnian War and Kosovo War (peace‑keeping missions)
- The 1999 East Timorese crisis (UN‑mandated deployment)
- The Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (coalition operations)
- The Russo‑Ukrainian War, encompassing the 2014 annexation of Crimea, the war in Donbas, and the full‑scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022
Current Role
In the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia, the Ground Forces serve as the principal land‑combat arm, conducting defensive and counter‑offensive operations across Ukraine’s frontlines. They also coordinate with the National Guard, Territorial Defense Forces, and other service branches to maintain a unified national defence posture.
References
- “Ukrainian Ground Forces.” Wikipedia, accessed via Jina AI mirror, 2024.
- Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, “Land Forces,” official website.
- International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance (2024 edition).