The timeline of the Ukrainian Ground Forces spans from the era of Kyivan Rus and the Cossack state to peacekeeping missions, the War for Independence, and modern operations against Russian aggression. It combines military tradition, modernization, and combat experience of the 20th and 21st centuries.
from early history to 2013
Formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces
- Since the era of Kyivan Rus, infantry — the core of today’s Ground Forces — was the main strength of the army. The organization, armament, tactics, and strategy of Kyivan infantry were on par with European warriors.
- The infantry proved its value in battles against steppe nomads — Khazars, Cumans, and ancestors of modern Russians; victories of princely forces strengthened Kyiv’s authority in medieval Europe.
- Ukrainian Cossacks in the 15th–18th centuries became an example of a formidable warrior for Europe; the coat of arms and seal of the Zaporizhian Host depicted a musketeer-infantryman.
- The Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921 gave rise to modern Ukrainian armies equipped with machine guns, artillery, and armored vehicles; every day of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and Western Ukrainian People’s Republic was paid for with the blood of their soldiers.
- Ukrainians fought bravely on all fronts of World War II within the armies of the Allied Powers, and even created their own armed force without a state — the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
- A new chapter for the Ground Forces began in independent Ukraine: after the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine inherited troops and equipment of the Kyiv, Odesa, and Carpathian military districts.
- In 1991, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Laws “On Defense of Ukraine” and “On the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” launching the formation of the Ground Forces as a branch of service.
- In 1996, the Ground Forces Command was established, bringing together mechanized, tank, missile, artillery units, army aviation, and air defense elements.
- Between 1998 and 2005, Ukraine transitioned from the Soviet divisional-regimental system to the brigade-battalion structure; by 2005, the Ground Forces included 13 combat brigades, 3 artillery brigades, and 1 missile brigade.
- By 2013, the Ground Forces faced major challenges: reduced manpower (from 700,000 to 57,000), outdated equipment, and limited funding — yet remained combat-ready and actively trained with international partners.
1992–2022
Peacekeeping Missions
- Since 1992, the Ground Forces have participated in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN, NATO, and other organizations, strengthening Ukraine’s international standing.
- Until 2022, Ukraine was among the world’s top ten contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with around 44,000 Ukrainian service members taking part; 55 of them gave their lives.
- In the Balkans, Ukrainian troops served in UNPROFOR, IFOR, SFOR, and KFOR missions in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo, providing stability and humanitarian assistance.
- In 1995, the Ukrainian contingent in Bosnia helped evacuate over 9,000 civilians from Srebrenica during the genocide.
- In Africa, Ukrainian troops operated in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), supporting stabilization efforts and protecting civilians.
- In the DRC, Ukrainian helicopters and infantry supported UN operations against armed groups.
- In Iraq (2003–2005), the 5th, 6th, and 7th Separate Mechanized Brigades (around 1,600 service members on rotation) ensured security in the Wasit province, protected infrastructure, and trained Iraqi forces.
- Ukrainian service members also worked in Afghanistan (ISAF), Moldova (Transnistria), Lebanon, and Sudan, proving their readiness for complex environments.
- Peacekeeping service strengthened Ukraine’s reputation and gave the Ground Forces valuable experience: multinational coordination, crisis-zone logistics, and NATO standards.
- This experience later became a foundation for reforms and preparation for the Russian-Ukrainian war.
2014–2022
The First Stage of the War for Independence
- With the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014, the Ground Forces became the main force in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and later the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
- The Ground Forces held key defensive positions and contained the enemy’s advance in eastern Ukraine.
- Ukrainian units liberated Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Bakhmut, and Mariupol, and fought in Ilovaisk, Debaltseve, and Avdiivka.
- The defense of Donetsk Airport (2014–2015), which lasted 242 days, became a symbol of Ukrainian resilience; the defenders were nicknamed “cyborgs.”
- For bravery in battle, 13 service members of the Ground Forces were awarded the title Hero of Ukraine, including Captain Andrii Kyzyl (posthumously).
- Ground Forces personnel increased to 169,000; 12 new brigades and 8 regiments were formed.
- Operational Commands North, South, East, and West were established.
- The troops received new uniforms, gear, UAVs, anti-tank systems (Javelin, Stugna), and modernized artillery.
- Ukrainian military identity and branding evolved, rooted in national heritage.
full-scale Russian invasion
The War for Independence Since 2022
- The Ground Forces became the core of Ukraine’s modern victories and the guarantor of state survival.
- Ukrainian defenders disrupted Russia’s “take Kyiv in three days” plan, held Chernihiv and Sumy, halted the advance toward Kharkiv, and maintained control across the defense lines.
- The defensive operation in February–March 2022 enabled the liberation of Kyiv region and northern Ukraine from occupation.
- Between March and May 2022, army aviation crews executed extremely dangerous flights to besieged Mariupol, delivering supplies and evacuating wounded defenders.
- Artillery of the Ground Forces helped regain control over the strategic Snake Island in June 2022.
- Together with other components of the Defense Forces, Ground Forces units liberated Kherson and the right bank of the Dnipro in November 2022.
- The swift breakthrough during the Kharkiv counteroffensive (September–October 2022) led to the liberation of over 500 settlements.
- In 2023, the Ground Forces adapted to positional warfare, mastered Western equipment, and implemented small assault group tactics and precision artillery.
- The steadfast defense of Avdiivka (February 2022 – February 2024) prevented Russia from capturing this strategic city for two years.
- During the Kursk Operation (August 2024 – April 2025), the Ground Forces, together with other components of the Defense Forces, took the war onto Russian territory.