UN International Day of Peacekeepers
Observed annually on May 29, the UN International Day of Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002. This date marks the start of the first UN peacekeeping mission in Palestine on May 29, 1948. Ukraine has been commemorating this day since 2003, highlighting the role of its military personnel in global peace operations.
Ukraine's Role in Peacekeeping
Since 1992, Ukrainian peacekeepers have taken part in 36 military missions, involving 44,000 service members. During this period, 55 Ukrainian peacekeepers lost their lives in conflict zones. As of 2022, Ukraine ranked ninth worldwide for the number of troops deployed in UN missions. However, on March 7, 2022, a presidential decree recalled all Ukrainian peacekeepers from international operations.
What were the earnings of Ukrainian peacekeepers? In 1996, during the Angola mission, officers earned between $800 and $860 per month, while soldiers received $500 to $550. By 2005, in Iraq, payments ranged from $600 to $800. By 2013, salaries had increased four to five times compared to the Iraq mission. Enlisted personnel and sergeants earned between $1,860 and $2,710 monthly, while officers—such as platoon leaders, doctors, and engineers—made from $2,850 up to $3,600 for division commanders. Company, battery, and helicopter commanders received $3,000, and in Côte d'Ivoire, payments could double.
Additionally, one Ukrainian helicopter unit deployed in Liberia from 2004 to 2010 contributed approximately $119 million to the national budget.
Overall, since Ukraine gained independence, the country has received around $500 million in compensation from the UN. These financial conditions allowed peacekeepers to purchase real estate in Ukraine upon their return, as noted by those in the latest rotations in the Congo (2021–2022). This experience and the revenue from international missions underscore the significance of Ukraine's participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
Marking the UN International Day of Peacekeepers serves as an important reminder of the critical role these personnel play in fostering stability in conflict-affected regions.
Even after the recall of Ukrainian peacekeepers in 2022, their contributions to international missions remain substantial. Over years of service, they not only carried out their duties but also boosted Ukraine's economy through financial inflows. Given the ongoing situation in Ukraine and globally, peacekeeping and international cooperation continue to be vital for ensuring peace and security.