Interview with Valerii Koretskyi
Valerii Koretskyi, the commander of the 5th Separate Special Purpose Detachment 'Omega,' shared in an interview his deliberate decision to pursue a military career, his experiences during the full-scale war that began on February 24, 2022, and the honor of receiving the title of Hero of Ukraine. He emphasized that his unit has evolved from counter-sabotage missions to conducting high-tech operations, and he highlighted a critical shortage of motivated individuals within the army.
Koretskyi grew up in a military family, which shaped his career path. His foundational strength was developed at the Institute of Tank Troops in Kharkiv. When the full-scale invasion started, his unit was operating near Stanytsia Luhanska. In 2022, the detachment, alongside Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, rescued eight marines from behind enemy lines after they had spent over two weeks trying to reach Ukrainian positions.
As a commander, Koretskyi considers the operation on the Pokrovsk front (Pokrovsk 1.0) in 2024 to be a pivotal moment. By the time of the interview, his unit had already gained experience with Pokrovsk 3.0. Between 2023 and 2024, the detachment carried out intense assault operations, destroyed enemy supply routes, conducted nighttime raids, and liberated territory in the Serebrianskyi forestry area.
Koretskyi stressed that modern Omega operates as a scalpel, not a sledgehammer, making the training of its fighters a top priority. Candidates for Omega must undergo:
- physical fitness tests,
- sparring sessions,
- psychological evaluation,
- in some cases, a polygraph examination,
- and a military medical commission (MMC).
The average training period for an Omega fighter is at least six months.
Koretskyi, a father of two sons, named the Carpathian Mountains as his personal sanctuary and plans to remain in the military after victory. He also noted that soldiers who served before 2022 and continue to serve today have witnessed real progress in the Ukrainian military. However, he stated that the army is currently severely understaffed.
'I never saw any other destiny for myself than to become a soldier' - Valerii Koretskyi.
He further remarked, 'We are always sent where quick decisions are needed and where the hard work is.' The unit commander emphasized that 'war is changing—we are flexible and we adapt.' Importantly, Koretskyi views his role as commander as inseparable from his troops, stating that he does not distinguish himself from the team.
This interview with Valerii Koretskyi underscores the vital importance of leadership and professional training in modern warfare. According to him, the lack of motivated military personnel poses a serious challenge for Ukraine, potentially undermining defense effectiveness. At this critical time for the nation, the willingness of commanders to adapt and develop their units may be a decisive factor in achieving success on the battlefield.
As the situation on the frontlines continues to evolve, effective logistics remain crucial for operational success. Following a recent hunger strike by soldiers, Ukraine's military leadership is reassessing supply chains to ensure that troops receive the necessary resources. This review is particularly important in light of the challenges highlighted by the ongoing needs of frontline personnel, as emphasized by Valerii Koretskyi in his recent interview about the Omega Unit's experiences and requirements.