After the proclamation of Ukraine's independence, the necessary legislative framework was created for the formation of the state's armed forces. In August 1991, the Tashkent Agreement was signed, according to which, from January 1, 1992, Ukraine took control of the units and formations stationed on its territory.
On October 11, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the Concept of Defense and Development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Concept provided that Ukraine would gradually, taking into account all factors of national security, implement its intention to become a neutral, non-nuclear state in the future, which would not participate in military blocs, but would adhere to all treaties and agreements on the non-use of nuclear weapons.
The document specified that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would consist of three branches: the Ground Forces (Land Defense Forces), the Air Force and Air Defense Forces (Air Defense Forces), and the Navy. The powers of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were also defined.
A milestone in the formation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was December 6, 1991, when the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Laws "On the Defense of Ukraine" and "On the Armed Forces of Ukraine." On the same day, the text of the Military Oath was approved.
Since then, the Ukrainian army has gone through various stages of development. For a long time, society and foreign partners perceived the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a remnant of the Soviet army.
However, the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014 opened a new page in the history of the Ukrainian army.
The process of forming a new identity for the Armed Forces of Ukraine began: changes in ideology, identity, the system of awards, provisioning, the gender component of the army, etc. In November 2015, a decree by the President of Ukraine changed the honorary names of military units, removing the names of Soviet orders and events related to Soviet military history. Instead, names and symbols that reflected national combat traditions began to be introduced.
Today, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are among the five strongest armies in Europe. Our army has real and unique combat experience that it can share with its partners.
The Armed Forces are Ukraine's strong shield and striking sword. The brave soldiers of the Ukrainian army, the best sons and daughters of the Ukrainian people, stand firm against enemy attacks and strike the enemy mercilessly, steadily bringing victory closer.