Ukraine's elite special forces have evolved from Soviet roots to global clandestine operations
In short: Formed in 2016 to unify fragmented units, Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SSO) have transitioned from a domestic defense force into a sophisticated, NATO-aligned branch. Beyond their role in the war in Donbas, these operatives are now linked to clandestine missions targeting Russian interests across Sudan and the Syrian battlefield.
The modern Ukrainian Special Operations Forces were established in 2016 as an independent branch of the Armed Forces, headquartered in Kyiv. This reorganization was a direct response to operational failures during the early stages of the war in Donbas, where depleted Spetsnaz units often operated in isolation without conventional support. The branch was built upon the foundation of military units previously under the Chief Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), which traced their lineage to Soviet-era GRU Spetsnaz training models. By 2019, the 140th Special Operations Centre achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first unit from a non-NATO member state to be certified for participation in the NATO Response Force.
The operational scope of these forces has expanded far beyond Ukrainian borders. Recent reporting, including accounts from the Kyiv Post and CNN, suggests that Ukrainian special forces have engaged in drone strikes and ground operations against Wagner Group mercenaries in Sudan. Furthermore, intelligence leaks and subsequent reports indicate that a specialized group known as 'Khimik' has collaborated with Syrian rebels to target Russian positions in the Golan Heights and the Kuweires air base. These operations appear designed to counter Russian recruitment efforts and disrupt logistics, with some reports alleging involvement in broader offensives against the Assad regime.
The human cost of these operations has been significant. By October 2017, the special forces community had recorded 73 combat deaths, with the 3rd Special Purpose Regiment suffering the highest toll at 44 fatalities. Despite the risks, the force has continued to grow, adding 1,000 personnel between 2016 and early 2022. Today, the SSO maintains a diverse portfolio of duties, ranging from direct action and intelligence gathering to psychological warfare, operating under the motto 'I Come at You!', a phrase attributed to the historical figure Svyatoslav the Brave.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Special Operations Forces (Ukraine)
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