Ukrainian Ground Forces

The Ukrainian Ground Forces (SVZSU) were formed from Ukrainian units of the Soviet Army after Ukraine gained independence in 1991. Its historical roots trace back to the Ukrainian People's Republic's army from 1917 to 1922.

After the Soviet Union's dissolution, Ukraine retained much of its Soviet-era military equipment, but the army faced significant downsizing and underinvestment, leading to a decline in operational readiness by 2014.

The Ground Forces were officially established on 6 December 1991, with a presidential decree following the declaration of Ukrainian independence. By the end of 1992, the Ukrainian Ground Forces comprised approximately 245,000 personnel and 6,500 tanks.

The forces inherited several Soviet formations, including the 1st Guards Army and the 28th Guards Motor Rifle Division, and underwent a process of restructuring and oath-taking to solidify their identity as a national army.

In the years following its establishment, the Ukrainian Ground Forces faced challenges, including a planned reduction in troop numbers and reliance on outdated equipment. A reform plan initiated in 2000 aimed to transition to a fully professional military force.

The 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Ukrainian military, with only a fraction of troops ready for combat during the crisis.

The Ground Forces played a crucial role during the war in Donbas starting in 2014, facing initial criticism for inadequate equipment and leadership. However, by February 2018, the forces had expanded to 200,000 active personnel and improved their equipment.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022 further accelerated the modernization and expansion of the Ground Forces, supported by Western military aid.

Training initiatives have evolved, with significant contributions from international partners, including the establishment of the Joint Multinational Training Group – Ukraine in 2015. This group set up training facilities aimed at enhancing combat readiness.

Key educational institutions include the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy in Lviv and the Ivan Chernyakhovsky National Defence University in Kyiv, which provide specialized training for military personnel.