Twelve Years of Ukraine's National Guard
On March 26, 2026, Ukraine's National Guard celebrates its twelfth anniversary. For this occasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the guardsmen and presented state awards. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the National Guard's units, stating that
"every name in the National Guard speaks of strength"and that
"the names of the National Guard units speak for themselves".
The History and Modern Role of the National Guard
The National Guard of Ukraine was originally established in March 1991. Throughout its existence, it has undergone several phases of reform. In the 2000s, the National Guard was restructured and integrated into the internal troops. A crucial step was the adoption of the 'Law on the National Guard of Ukraine' by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) on March 13, 2014.
Today, the National Guard performs critical tasks across various regions of the country. The First Corps is defending the Pokrovsk-Ocheretyne direction in Donetsk Oblast, while the Second Corps is executing missions in Kharkiv Oblast. President Zelenskyy specifically noted that
"the Second Corps is performing its tasks in Kharkiv Oblast and is doing so exactly as required".
Among the units of the National Guard are:
- 18th Slavic Brigade
- Azov
- Kharta
- Lasar's Group
- Wings of Omega
- Typhoon
- Omega Special Purpose Center
All these units participate in combat missions and help ensure the country's security.
The National Guard of Ukraine continues to fulfill its duties, demonstrating the dedication and professionalism of its service members. It is important to note that their activities are an integral part of Ukraine's overall security system.
This anniversary serves as an important reminder of the National Guard's role in ensuring the nation's security and defense, particularly under current challenges. Given the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, National Guard units remain on the front lines, performing tasks to protect the state's territorial integrity and maintain public order. The commemoration of this anniversary also highlights the value of military service in society and boosts the morale of service members in their vital mission.
As we reflect on the significant milestones of the National Guard, it's essential to explore their profound history and ongoing contributions to national defense. For a deeper understanding of their service and the evolution of their role, you can read more about the historical context of Ukraine's National Guard Day.