Olha Pokotylo, Journalist
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has called back all Ukrainian peacekeepers from all missions around the world in order to defend the state against the Russian aggressor. It was announced by Deputy Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Sybiha.
"The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decided to call back Ukrainian peacekeepers who are highly trained professional soldiers, from all the missions in the world, together with their equipment," Sibiga wrote.
The decree becomes effective from the date of its publication.
Ukrainian peacekeeping contingents have been participating in international operations under the auspices of the United Nations, NATO and other international organizations since 1992. Overall, 44,000 Ukrainian servicemen have taken part in military operations. According to 2021 data from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian peacekeepers are involved in 8 international peacekeeping and security operations.
The first contingent, the 18th Special Helicopter Squad, has been deployed performing tasks on the African continent as part of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since March 2012. The unit is equipped with eight helicopters, 4 of which are Mi-8 transport-combat helicopters and 4 are Mi-8 transport helicopters; 53 units of automotive and special equipment. The unit conducts air reconnaissance and surveillance, provides fire support to UN ground forces, medical transportation, and evacuates the injured.
A second national contingent is an engineering unit that is part of Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO Mission under the direct command of the Kosovo Force Commander based at Novo Selo Military Base in Kosovo. The unit's task is to ensure freedom of movement through the territory of Kosovo, enacting specific engineering measures for the deployment of troops and demining in support of the multinational units of KFOR.