Participation in peace and security support activities is among Ukraine’s highest political priorities since getting independence. Peacekeeping is regarded as one of the most important foreign policy constituencies, which totally matches Ukraine’s national interests and currently is a vital prerequisite for their achievement, especially in the area of national security.
Further expansion of Ukraine’s peacekeeping contingents and personnel participation in multinational NATO-led peace support operations is considered to be among most promising areas of development of both theoretical and practical aspects of Ukraine’s peacekeeping. At the same time the expansion is a key factors, which promotes Armed Forces of Ukraine development.
Currently Ukraine is the only partner nation taking part in all (four) NATO-led operations.
NATO-Ukraine cooperation in the area of joint participation in operations started on the Balkans yet in December 1995 in the framework of IFOR (Implementation Force), established to oversee implementation of the military aspects of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dayton Peace Accord). IFOR incorporated all peacekeeping NATO and non-NATO forces, including Ukrainian 240-th peacekeeping battalion (UKRBAT), which had been part to UNPROFOR (UN Protection Force).
After termination of IFOR due to complete implementation of the mandate (creation of a secure environment conducive to civil and political reconstruction) UKRBAT continued its participation in SFOR (Stabilization Force), which in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution # 1088 of Dec 12, 1996 became a legal successor to IFOR. In December 1999 in line with Ukrainian Defense Minister’s decree and due to SFOR restructuring, UKRBAT was withdrawn from Bosnia and Herzegovina and further disbanded.
Current status of cooperation
KFOR
Starting from Sep 1, 1999 Ukraine participates in KFOR (Kosovo Force), which is the most considerable area of NATO-Ukraine cooperation in terms of duration and number of personnel engaged. Currently UPC in KFOR comprises 1-st peacekeeping battalion, which is a national part to Ukrainian-Polish Battalion (UKRPOLBAT), and a national support element (181 military servicemen). UKRPOLBAT is subordinate to Multinational Task Force «East» (comprises troops form USA (lead nation), Armenia, Greece, Lithuania, Poland and Romania).
In addition 4 Ukrainian military officers are deployed to KFOR and MNTF «East» HQs, which brings the total number of Ukrainian peacekeepers in KFOR to 184 military personnel.
The UPC main missions include: patrolling; check-point and observation posts duties; escorting local population and humanitarian deliveries; protection of infrastructure (e.g. churches and schools); prevention of weapons and drugs smuggling. Additional tasks include escorting automobile convoys, medical assistance to local population, support to humanitarian aid distribution etc.
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
Ukraine supports ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) operation. Practical collaboration in this area in 2003-2006 was limited to providing for ISAF airplanes over flights Ukrainian territory and for commercial air transportation of ISAF personnel and cargo with Ukrainian transport aircraft.
Presidential Decree №47/2007 of Jan 26, 2007 «About Deployment of Ukraine Peacekeeping Personnel to International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan» (provides for an opportunity to deploy up to 10 UPP to Afghanistan) has given renewed impetus to cooperation in this particular area. The first Ukrainian Armed Forces representative (military doctor – anesthesiologist) joint Lithuanian-led provincial reconstruction team in Ghor on May 12, 2007 (in the framework of bilateral agreement with Lithuania).
Following Ukrainian Foreign Minister official visit to Afghanistan on 14 Feb 2007 it was decided to increase the number of Ukrainian peacekeeping personnel in ISAF. Another Ukrainian officer was deployed to ISAF HQ (J9/CIMIC) on 14 Jul 2007.
Furthermore the number of Ukrainian medical personnel in Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghor was increased up to 2 officers on 15 Nov 2007 in the framework of semi-annual rotation, thus bringing the total number of Ukrainian peacekeepers in ISAF up to 3 persons.
In order to seek further enhancement of NATO-Ukraine cooperation in the field of joint participation in operations, Ukraine will continue its active support to ISAF, including an increase of peacekeeping personnel (up to 10 persons). The main focus is on bilateral arrangements with allies and partners for joint participation in their PRTs.
Ukraine assigned already one extra officer to the ISAF HQ in Kabul.
NATO Training Mission – Iraq
There have been 3 Ukrainian Armed Forces officers deployed to NATO Training Mission – Iraq (NTM-I) since February 2006 in line with the Presidential Decree # 1675/2005 of Dec 1, 2005. Recent rotation of UPP in NTM-I took place in February this year. Currently Ukraine is the only partner nation participating in NTM-I.
Moreover there are 34 other Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives working in Iraq. Those were assigned instructor duties in the framework o US-led Coalition Forces after withdrawal of UPC from Iraq. Although participation in the Coalition does not concern NATO-Ukraine cooperation as such, is considered to be a valuable contribution to international stabilization efforts in Iraq.
Counterterrorism operation «Active Endeavor»
In the context of Ukraine’s active participation in the fighting against international terrorism, our country continues to work at involvement to NATO Article 5 operation «Active Endeavour» (OAE), in accordance with NATO-Ukraine Agreement (Exchange of Letters) dated Apr 21, 2005.
Establishment of the Contact Point Cell (CPC) in Ukraine for OAE related information exchange became an important step in this regard. Following installation of SY-71E secure communication equipment on 4-5 Dec 2007 there were established regular exchanges of OAE related classified information between CPC and CC-MAR Naples.
Ukraine and NATO apply significant efforts in order to prepare Ukrainian Naval assets and personnel for participation in OAE.
The main achievements in this particular area include successful activations of Ukrainian assets in the framework of OAE: corvette «Ternopil» (25 May – 2 Jul 2007) and corvette «Lutsc» (26 Nov – 12 Dec 2007). Ukrainian sailors’ performance in the operation was highly appreciated by NATO and allies' military authorities.
The third Ukrainian ship (frigate «Hetman Sahaidachnyi» with helicopter) was deployed from May till 1 September 2008.
Further improvement of language proficiency and the awareness of NATO operational procedures required for efficient participation in OAE will be achieved through the conduct of education and training at domestic and foreign based courses as well as through on-job training onboard allied ships.
At least 2 extended activations of Ukrainian naval assets in the framework of OAE will be planed for 2009.
Ukraine’s participation in NATO-led operations is a valuable contribution to the international community peacekeeping efforts and, simultaneously, one of the most important aspects of our cooperation with the Alliance, which is highly appreciated by senior officials of this organization and member nations.