A regional military-patriotic training exercise titled “Western Pack of Werewolves,” named after UPA General-Horunzhy Roman Shukhevych, took place in the Ternopil region under the patronage of the Special Operations Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The “Legends of Donetsk Region” combined team participated in the training. The event was attended by high school and college students from the Kurakhiv, Dobropillia, and Bakhmut communities, as well as from the Mariupol Vocational Construction College, who were selected during regional military-patriotic training sessions held throughout the year.
The training was conducted with the aim of fostering a sense of national defense among Ukrainian citizens, preparing them for national resistance, raising public awareness of and respect for military service, and motivating citizens to acquire the necessary competencies in the field of security and defense.
The camp is located on the site of historic locations where the UPA’s “Siromantsi” special-purpose company, which belonged to Military District 3 “Lysonia” (UPA-West), once operated.
The symbolism and ideology of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were based on the legend of werewolf warriors, so these historic sites underscore the continuity across generations—from the insurgents to the modern resistance forces.
Resistance Movement units continue this path of struggle and train modern insurgents to carry out missions in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. The UPA’s experience served as the foundation for establishing the resistance movement within Ukraine’s comprehensive defense system.
The training brought together young people from various civic organizations and educational institutions in the western regions of Ukraine, as well as from displaced communities from other parts of the country.
Instructors from the Resistance Movement with combat experience conducted sessions on tactical medicine, weapons training, small-group tactics, mine safety, the basics of UAV operation, terrain navigation, and other disciplines.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the history and combat record of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the specific nature of special operations units’ activities directly from military personnel—rather than from books or YouTube channels—and to understand how modern technologies are changing the tactics and strategy of warfare.
This regional training session marks the final stage of preparation for participants in the “Warrior-Werewolf” specialized training programs. Each participant competed for the right to wear a special insignia on their uniform. During the “Geocaching” field game, which utilized specialized navigation equipment, the teams found themselves in various extreme situations and demonstrated their preparedness and adaptability.
During the military-patriotic training trials, the “Legends of Donetsk Region” team demonstrated a high level of training, endurance, an unbreakable spirit, and true camaraderie. Among the 13 strongest teams in Ukraine, our young men and women proudly represented their homeland and earned an honorable 7th place!
The youth of Donetsk Oblast are the true driving force of our country, its reliable shield, its future, and its foundation. Even under the most difficult conditions, they prove that Donetsk Oblast is a land of strong, motivated, and patriotic people.
We sincerely congratulate the regional team on their impressive result! We are proud of their courage, perseverance, and drive to win.