Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces Day Gets a New Date
Starting May 27, 2026, Ukraine will officially celebrate the Day of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The holiday was introduced under Presidential Decree No. 346/2025, signed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which replaces the earlier observance date established by Petro Poroshenko’s Decree No. 311/2016 on July 26, 2016. This change aims to honor the courage and heroism of Special Operations Forces soldiers while fostering national military traditions.
Background of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces
The origins of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) date back to 2007, when the SOF Directorate was created as a unit within the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It remained in that structure until 2012. In July 2016, then-President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree designating July 29 as the SOF Day, citing the need to 'further develop national military traditions, taking into account the important role of the Armed Forces’ SOF in ensuring the state’s defense capability.'
In 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to shift the holiday to a different date. His decree states:
“Honoring the courage and heroism of the soldiers of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, demonstrated in the struggle for Ukraine’s freedom, independence, and territorial integrity, and with the aim of establishing new military traditions, I decree: to establish the Day of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to be celebrated annually on May 27.”This order invalidates the earlier decree signed by Poroshenko.
As a result, May 27, 2026, will become the new annual date for honoring Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, underscoring their critical role in national security and defense.
The establishment of a fresh holiday for the Special Operations Forces reflects the state’s strategic focus on evolving military traditions and supporting units tasked with high-priority missions in safeguarding national security. The rescheduling may signal an effort to modernize the recognition of military personnel in light of contemporary challenges facing Ukraine. It also highlights the need to acknowledge the contributions of these units in protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As Ukraine prepares to honor its Special Operations Forces on the newly established date, it is essential to reflect on the significance of other military commemorations in the country. For instance, May 23 serves as a day dedicated to celebrating heroes and the Marine Corps, highlighting the broader context of Ukraine's commitment to recognizing the valor of its armed forces.