Zelensky Marks 10th Anniversary of Special Operations Forces, Decorates Troops

Celebrating the Day of the Special Operations Forces

According to Главком: On May 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited a command post to commemorate both the Day of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their 10th anniversary. During the event, the head of state honored the Ukrainian defenders, presenting awards to 25 service members and bestowing a battle flag upon the 144th separate SOF center. Additionally, the Northern separate special operations center received the honorary designation of the UPA heroes.

Awards and Recognition

At the ceremony, President Zelensky recognized 25 Ukrainian defenders with state honors. Among them, two soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Gold Star Order. Other decorations included:

• Cross of Military Merit
• Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, II and III degrees
• Order For Courage, II and III degrees
• Order of Princess Olga, III degree
• Order of Danylo Halytskyi
• Medal For Military Service to Ukraine

SOF Commander Oleksandr Trepak noted that special forces operatives have taken part in pivotal battles, including:

• The defense of Kyiv
• The liberation of Snake Island
• Fighting in Donbas
• The Kursk operation
• Missions in southern Ukraine, particularly in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions
• Operations in border areas of Kharkiv and Sumy regions

Additionally, SOF soldiers recorded a cover of Volodymyr Ivasyuk's song 'The Song Will Be Between Us,' highlighting their fighting spirit and unity. This event marked an important milestone in recognizing the contributions of the Special Operations Forces to national defense.

The celebration of the Day of the Special Operations Forces and their 10th anniversary represents a key step in acknowledging the role of special forces in ensuring Ukraine's security and defense. The awarding of service members underscores recognition of their courage and heroism while carrying out complex tasks across various regions of the country. Emphasizing the significance of the SOF in modern conflicts also helps boost military morale and support their efforts in protecting the state.

In addition to the awards, the celebration featured a touching tribute by the special forces, who performed a rendition of Volodymyr Ivasyuk's classic song, symbolizing their unity and resilience. This heartfelt performance not only highlighted their dedication but also marked a significant cultural moment during the milestone anniversary of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces.