Establishment of Special Operations Forces Day in Ukraine

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has declared May 27 as Special Operations Forces Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On this day in 2014, soldiers from special forces, who would later form the Special Operations Forces, along with their comrades from other defense units, conducted an operation to liberate the new terminal of Donetsk airport from enemy troops and raised the Ukrainian flag.

“In honor of the courage and heroism of the soldiers of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their struggle for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, I decree: to establish in Ukraine Special Operations Forces Day, to be celebrated annually on May 27,” states decree №346/2025 from May 26, 2025.

The decree takes effect upon publication.

By a separate order from the commander of the Special Operations Forces, Major General Oleksandr Trepak, July 29 has been designated as a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers of the Special Operations Forces.