.gif)
Ministry of Defence (Ukraine)
Encyclopedia
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
was established on September 24, 1991, one month after Ukraine's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union
. The ministry was in charge of reorganizing all Soviet forces on the Ukrainian terrain under its command. This mass was not an army but an immense force grouping, which would take several months to reorganize.
Since that time, Ukraine has voluntarily given up all of its nuclear weapons. The ministry of defense has spent numerous funds eliminating former nuclear silos, military bases and on reduction of man-power and equipment, to be in accordance with the conventional armed forces treaty
.
, and repelling aggression. Ukrainian security policies are very defensive and based on nonintervention, respect for the national borders and sovereignty of other states, and rejection of the use of force as an instrument of policy. Because of political sensitivity, the military doctrine
, similar to Ukraine’s security policy, avoids pointing out a specific threat. Rather it refers to a “state whose consistent policy presents a military threat, or leads to interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, or encroaches on its territorial integrity and its national interests.”
Hence, the Ministry of Defense is responsible for:
In 1991, Ukraine inherited one of the largest military forces not only in the post-socialist area, but in all of Europe (excluding Russia). This included 780,000 formerly Soviet military personnel, one rocket army, four Air Force
armies, a separate air defense army, and the Black Sea Fleet
. Altogether, when established, the Armed Forces of Ukraine included more than 350 ships
, 1500 combat aircraft, and 1272 strategic
nuclear war-heads of intercontinental ballistic missiles. This force was designed to confront NATO in full-scale warfare, using conventional and nuclear weapon
s.
Therefore on 24 September 1991, Verkhovna Rada
of Ukraine adopted the resolution about the process of taking under its jurisdiction of all military units of former Soviet Armed Forces, situated on the territory of Ukraine; and about the establishment of one of the most important Ministries, the Ministry of Defense. Hence, the country became the first among the former Soviet republics to establish a ministry of defense. The ministry and the Ukrainian government subsequently, began establishing the different military branches.
The Ukrainian National Ministry of Defense institution, however, has a much earlier history when it was first established by Symon Petlyura in 1917 as a General Secretariat of Military Affairs for the Russian Provisional Government
. During the aggression of the Soviet Russia
the national ministry was eliminated, while its Soviet counterpart was eventually liquidated by mid 1920's.
The political preference of Ukraine authority on the non-nuclear and non-coalition state status were made to be the foundation of the Armed Forces organization process. But equally as important to the foundation were the limitations, connected with approval of the Agreement "On conventional Armed Forces in Europe" and implementation of the Tashkent Agreement of 1992, which establish not only maximal levels of arms for each state of former USSR. Therefore, between 1992 and 1997 the number of military personnel in Ukraine was nearly halved.
In a short span of time, Verkhovna Rada
of Ukraine passed some legislative acts concerning the military sphere: The conception for Defense and organization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the resolution "On Security Council of Ukraine
", Laws of Ukraine "On Defense of Ukraine", "On the Armed Forces of Ukraine", and Military Doctrine of Ukraine. Mostly related to structural control of the Armed Forces.
In addition, Ukraine began its nuclear weapons disarmament program in the early 90s. By 1 June 1996, there was no nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
During the first few years of independence, the national Defense Ministry built the basics for a functional defense system, in spite of different difficulties of that time (which included; hyperinflation
, transition from a Socialist to a Capitalist
economic system and the loss of 60% of the country’s GDP). Ministry of Defense, the General Staff
, branches of the Armed Forces, executive system and a training system of the Armed Forces were established in this short span of time. After some time, it became apparent that the process of the Armed Forces improvement had just began. And the problem was that not only there were no special system and efficient plan for resolving the military development problems of that time, but also that it was lack of trained personnel for its development and realization.
A shuffle in the military departments administration had a rather negative effect on the process of military development. From 1991 till 1996, three Ministers of Defense and four Chiefs of General Staff
were changed. About 70% of administrative staff was changed in the early stages of forming the Armed Forces of Ukraine. All military district commanders, army commanders, corps and division commanders were changed several times over. This problem was complicated by the countries instability, connected with international dislocation of military personnel. About 12000 officers pledged their allegiance to other countries (Mostly Russia
) and more than 33000 personnel came back to serve the Ukrainian army between 1991 till 1994.
No doubt, that the main reason of dissatisfied realization of the main procedures of the Armed Forces development process was permanent reduction of common part of expenses for National Defense at all; expenses for the Armed Forces, purchases of armament and military vehicles, providing the research engineering
and design efforts.
, establishment of the corresponding executive structures and supporting structures, and other elements, which were necessary for its functioning.
The first stages of development of the Armed Forces also began the reduction of the military institutions, number of personnel, and number of armament and nuclear technology
. As such a large quantity of weaponry was both unnecessary for Ukraine and could not have been maintained with the provided defense budget.
A the end of 1996, more than 3500 different military institutions and 410000 personnel were discharged. Also, the number of armament and defense technologies was decreased: combat aircraft - by 600 units, helicopters - by 250, the garrison tanks and combat armed vehicles by 2400 and 2000.
Throughout the 1992-1997 the army was reduced by 400,000 servicemen. More than 1300 units, organizations, command and control installations were disbanded during that period. By the end of 1999 the organizational strength of the Armed Forces is to number around 400,000 men, including 310,000 military and 90,000 civilians.
, as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, executes command and control over the Armed Forces according to the Constitution of Ukraine
and active legislation. Command and control over the Armed Forces and other military formations in emergencies is executed by the President of Ukraine through the general headquarters (similar to the Soviet STAVKA
), one working agency of which is the General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces
and the other being, the Ministry of Defense.
Realization of the basics of the Armed Forces Command and Control organization reform concept will leave out repetition in their work, increase efficiency, responsibility level and effectiveness of the Armed Forces branches commands. While Operational Commands, reduce both the number of command and control structures and their manpower. Consequently, by late 2005 the ministry of defense will reduce its structure by 37% and its manpower almost in half.
Ukraine has announced the goal of making its army all-professional by the year 2015. In the first stage in the years 2001 through 2005, around a third of the army servicemen were replaced with professionals. During the third stage (in the years 2006 through 2010), the quantity of professionals serving in the army is planned to increase up to 50%. And, lastly, at the final stage (scheduled to complete by the year 2015), the army will become all-professional. Army downsizing will accompany the transition to an all-professional army.
readiness. Yuriy Yekhanurov
has been the Defense Minister of Ukraine since December 18, 2007.
The General Staff of Ukraine has the task of planning defensive and operational management of the armed forces. The General Staff
is assistant to the Defense Minister of Ukraine. General of the Army
of Ukraine, Sergiy Kirichenko was appointed the Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff
on July 16, 2005.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
was established on September 24, 1991, one month after Ukraine's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. The ministry was in charge of reorganizing all Soviet forces on the Ukrainian terrain under its command. This mass was not an army but an immense force grouping, which would take several months to reorganize.
Since that time, Ukraine has voluntarily given up all of its nuclear weapons. The ministry of defense has spent numerous funds eliminating former nuclear silos, military bases and on reduction of man-power and equipment, to be in accordance with the conventional armed forces treaty
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
The original Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was negotiated and concluded during the last years of the Cold War and established comprehensive limits on key categories of conventional military equipment in Europe and mandated the destruction of excess weaponry...
.
Mission
Once ratified by the Ukrainian Rada (parliament), the major objectives of the ministry are preventing hostility, structuring the militaryMilitary
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
, and repelling aggression. Ukrainian security policies are very defensive and based on nonintervention, respect for the national borders and sovereignty of other states, and rejection of the use of force as an instrument of policy. Because of political sensitivity, the military doctrine
Military doctrine
Military doctrine is the concise expression of how military forces contribute to campaigns, major operations, battles, and engagements.It is a guide to action, not hard and fast rules. Doctrine provides a common frame of reference across the military...
, similar to Ukraine’s security policy, avoids pointing out a specific threat. Rather it refers to a “state whose consistent policy presents a military threat, or leads to interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, or encroaches on its territorial integrity and its national interests.”
Hence, the Ministry of Defense is responsible for:
- Support to Armed Forces day-to-day activities
- Mission and mobilization readiness
- Combatant value
- Training to fulfill assigned missions and engagement
- Manning and appropriate training
- Weapons and military equipment supplies
- Material, funding and other resources in accordance with requirements
- Control over the effective use of these resources
- Developing interoperability with executive power, civilian agencies and civilians
- International military and military-technical cooperation
- Control over compliance of Armed Forces activities with the Law
- Developing conditions for civilian control over Armed Forces.
History
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
armies, a separate air defense army, and the Black Sea Fleet
Black Sea Fleet
The Black Sea Fleet is a large operational-strategic sub-unit of the Russian Navy, operating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea since the late 18th century. It is based in various harbors of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov....
. Altogether, when established, the Armed Forces of Ukraine included more than 350 ships
Warship
A warship is a ship that is built and primarily intended for combat. Warships are usually built in a completely different way from merchant ships. As well as being armed, warships are designed to withstand damage and are usually faster and more maneuvrable than merchant ships...
, 1500 combat aircraft, and 1272 strategic
Military strategy
Military strategy is a set of ideas implemented by military organizations to pursue desired strategic goals. Derived from the Greek strategos, strategy when it appeared in use during the 18th century, was seen in its narrow sense as the "art of the general", 'the art of arrangement' of troops...
nuclear war-heads of intercontinental ballistic missiles. This force was designed to confront NATO in full-scale warfare, using conventional and nuclear weapon
Nuclear weapon
A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. Both reactions release vast quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter. The first fission bomb test released the same amount...
s.
Therefore on 24 September 1991, Verkhovna Rada
Verkhovna Rada
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is Ukraine's parliament. The Verkhovna Rada is a unicameral parliament composed of 450 deputies, which is presided over by a chairman...
of Ukraine adopted the resolution about the process of taking under its jurisdiction of all military units of former Soviet Armed Forces, situated on the territory of Ukraine; and about the establishment of one of the most important Ministries, the Ministry of Defense. Hence, the country became the first among the former Soviet republics to establish a ministry of defense. The ministry and the Ukrainian government subsequently, began establishing the different military branches.
The Ukrainian National Ministry of Defense institution, however, has a much earlier history when it was first established by Symon Petlyura in 1917 as a General Secretariat of Military Affairs for the Russian Provisional Government
Russian Provisional Government
The Russian Provisional Government was the short-lived administrative body which sought to govern Russia immediately following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II . On September 14, the State Duma of the Russian Empire was officially dissolved by the newly created Directorate, and the country was...
. During the aggression of the Soviet Russia
Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic
The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic , commonly referred to as Soviet Russia, Bolshevik Russia, or simply Russia, was the largest, most populous and economically developed republic in the former Soviet Union....
the national ministry was eliminated, while its Soviet counterpart was eventually liquidated by mid 1920's.
The political preference of Ukraine authority on the non-nuclear and non-coalition state status were made to be the foundation of the Armed Forces organization process. But equally as important to the foundation were the limitations, connected with approval of the Agreement "On conventional Armed Forces in Europe" and implementation of the Tashkent Agreement of 1992, which establish not only maximal levels of arms for each state of former USSR. Therefore, between 1992 and 1997 the number of military personnel in Ukraine was nearly halved.
In a short span of time, Verkhovna Rada
Verkhovna Rada
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is Ukraine's parliament. The Verkhovna Rada is a unicameral parliament composed of 450 deputies, which is presided over by a chairman...
of Ukraine passed some legislative acts concerning the military sphere: The conception for Defense and organization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the resolution "On Security Council of Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
", Laws of Ukraine "On Defense of Ukraine", "On the Armed Forces of Ukraine", and Military Doctrine of Ukraine. Mostly related to structural control of the Armed Forces.
In addition, Ukraine began its nuclear weapons disarmament program in the early 90s. By 1 June 1996, there was no nuclear weapon in Ukraine.
During the first few years of independence, the national Defense Ministry built the basics for a functional defense system, in spite of different difficulties of that time (which included; hyperinflation
Hyperinflation
In economics, hyperinflation is inflation that is very high or out of control. While the real values of the specific economic items generally stay the same in terms of relatively stable foreign currencies, in hyperinflationary conditions the general price level within a specific economy increases...
, transition from a Socialist to a Capitalist
Capitalism
Capitalism is an economic system that became dominant in the Western world following the demise of feudalism. There is no consensus on the precise definition nor on how the term should be used as a historical category...
economic system and the loss of 60% of the country’s GDP). Ministry of Defense, the General Staff
General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is the military staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is the central organ of the Armed Forces Administration and oversees operational management of the armed forces under the Ministry of Defence....
, branches of the Armed Forces, executive system and a training system of the Armed Forces were established in this short span of time. After some time, it became apparent that the process of the Armed Forces improvement had just began. And the problem was that not only there were no special system and efficient plan for resolving the military development problems of that time, but also that it was lack of trained personnel for its development and realization.
A shuffle in the military departments administration had a rather negative effect on the process of military development. From 1991 till 1996, three Ministers of Defense and four Chiefs of General Staff
Chief of the General Staff (Ukraine)
The Chief of the General Staff is the chief of staff of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He is appointed by the President of Ukraine. If the Minister of Ukraine is a civilian the Chief of the General Staff becomes the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces...
were changed. About 70% of administrative staff was changed in the early stages of forming the Armed Forces of Ukraine. All military district commanders, army commanders, corps and division commanders were changed several times over. This problem was complicated by the countries instability, connected with international dislocation of military personnel. About 12000 officers pledged their allegiance to other countries (Mostly Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
) and more than 33000 personnel came back to serve the Ukrainian army between 1991 till 1994.
No doubt, that the main reason of dissatisfied realization of the main procedures of the Armed Forces development process was permanent reduction of common part of expenses for National Defense at all; expenses for the Armed Forces, purchases of armament and military vehicles, providing the research engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
and design efforts.
Development of the Military
The progress of Ukraine’s military organization and development are (by the Ministry of Defense) divided into three main periods:- The first period began from 1991-1996 - the initial establishment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reorganization;
- The second period from 1997-2000 - further organization and development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- The third period 2001- on - reforming and development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, introducing new military equipment.
First Stages
The aspects of the first period of development were the forming the legal foundation of the Armed Forces activity, reorganization of its structureOrder of battle
In modern use, the order of battle is the identification, command structure, strength, and disposition of personnel, equipment, and units of an armed force participating in field operations. Various abbreviations are in use, including OOB, O/B, or OB, while ORBAT remains the most common in the...
, establishment of the corresponding executive structures and supporting structures, and other elements, which were necessary for its functioning.
The first stages of development of the Armed Forces also began the reduction of the military institutions, number of personnel, and number of armament and nuclear technology
Nuclear technology
Nuclear technology is technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei. Among the notable nuclear technologies are nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons...
. As such a large quantity of weaponry was both unnecessary for Ukraine and could not have been maintained with the provided defense budget.
A the end of 1996, more than 3500 different military institutions and 410000 personnel were discharged. Also, the number of armament and defense technologies was decreased: combat aircraft - by 600 units, helicopters - by 250, the garrison tanks and combat armed vehicles by 2400 and 2000.
Throughout the 1992-1997 the army was reduced by 400,000 servicemen. More than 1300 units, organizations, command and control installations were disbanded during that period. By the end of 1999 the organizational strength of the Armed Forces is to number around 400,000 men, including 310,000 military and 90,000 civilians.
Future Development
According to the Defense Ministry, it is also planned to create a system of civilian control over the armed forces, illuminate the tasks of the highest leadership and respective state and military organizations in terms of Armed Forces command and control. Therefore, the President of UkrainePresident of Ukraine
Prior to the formation of the modern Ukrainian presidency, the previous Ukrainian head of state office was officially established in exile by Andriy Livytskyi. At first the de facto leader of nation was the president of the Central Rada at early years of the Ukrainian People's Republic, while the...
, as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Commander-in-Chief
A commander-in-chief is the commander of a nation's military forces or significant element of those forces. In the latter case, the force element may be defined as those forces within a particular region or those forces which are associated by function. As a practical term it refers to the military...
of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, executes command and control over the Armed Forces according to the Constitution of Ukraine
Constitution of Ukraine
The Constitution of Ukraine is the nation's fundamental law. The constitution was adopted and ratified at the 5th session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 28 June 1996. The constitution was passed with 315 ayes out of 450 votes possible .Other laws and other normative legal acts of Ukraine...
and active legislation. Command and control over the Armed Forces and other military formations in emergencies is executed by the President of Ukraine through the general headquarters (similar to the Soviet STAVKA
Stavka
Stavka was the term used to refer to a command element of the armed forces from the time of the Kievan Rus′, more formally during the history of Imperial Russia as administrative staff and General Headquarters during late 19th Century Imperial Russian armed forces and those of the Soviet Union...
), one working agency of which is the General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces
General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is the military staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is the central organ of the Armed Forces Administration and oversees operational management of the armed forces under the Ministry of Defence....
and the other being, the Ministry of Defense.
Realization of the basics of the Armed Forces Command and Control organization reform concept will leave out repetition in their work, increase efficiency, responsibility level and effectiveness of the Armed Forces branches commands. While Operational Commands, reduce both the number of command and control structures and their manpower. Consequently, by late 2005 the ministry of defense will reduce its structure by 37% and its manpower almost in half.
Ukraine has announced the goal of making its army all-professional by the year 2015. In the first stage in the years 2001 through 2005, around a third of the army servicemen were replaced with professionals. During the third stage (in the years 2006 through 2010), the quantity of professionals serving in the army is planned to increase up to 50%. And, lastly, at the final stage (scheduled to complete by the year 2015), the army will become all-professional. Army downsizing will accompany the transition to an all-professional army.
Structure
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is responsible for the management of territorial defense, military development, mobilization in the case of war and combatCombat
Combat, or fighting, is a purposeful violent conflict meant to establish dominance over the opposition, or to terminate the opposition forever, or drive the opposition away from a location where it is not wanted or needed....
readiness. Yuriy Yekhanurov
Yuriy Yekhanurov
Yuriy Ivanovych Yekhanurov is a Ukrainian politician who was Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2005 to 2006 and Minister of Defense in from 2007 to 2009...
has been the Defense Minister of Ukraine since December 18, 2007.
The General Staff of Ukraine has the task of planning defensive and operational management of the armed forces. The General Staff
General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is the military staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is the central organ of the Armed Forces Administration and oversees operational management of the armed forces under the Ministry of Defence....
is assistant to the Defense Minister of Ukraine. General of the Army
General of the Army
General of the Army is a military rank used in some countries to denote a senior military leader, usually a General in command of a nation's Army. It may also be the title given to a General who commands an Army in the field....
of Ukraine, Sergiy Kirichenko was appointed the Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff
Chief of the General Staff (Ukraine)
The Chief of the General Staff is the chief of staff of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He is appointed by the President of Ukraine. If the Minister of Ukraine is a civilian the Chief of the General Staff becomes the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces...
on July 16, 2005.
List of Ministers of Defence
| Military Rank | Name | Term of Office | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | ||
| Colonel General Colonel General Colonel General is a senior rank of General. North Korea and Russia are two countries which have used the rank extensively throughout their histories... |
Kostyantyn Morozov | September 3, 1991 | October 4, 1993 |
| Colonel General Colonel General Colonel General is a senior rank of General. North Korea and Russia are two countries which have used the rank extensively throughout their histories... |
Ivan Bizhan | October 4, 1993 | October 8, 1993 |
| General of the Army General of the Army General of the Army is a military rank used in some countries to denote a senior military leader, usually a General in command of a nation's Army. It may also be the title given to a General who commands an Army in the field.... |
Vitalyi Radetskyi | October 8, 1993 | August 25, 1994 |
| Valeriy Shmarov Valeriy Shmarov Valeriy Shmarov is a Ukrainian politician. From October 10, 1994 to July 8, 1996 was the third Minister of Defence of Ukraine.-References:... |
August 1994 | July 1996 | |
| General of the Army General of the Army General of the Army is a military rank used in some countries to denote a senior military leader, usually a General in command of a nation's Army. It may also be the title given to a General who commands an Army in the field.... |
Oleksandr Kuzmuk | July 1996 | July 2001 |
| General of the Army General of the Army General of the Army is a military rank used in some countries to denote a senior military leader, usually a General in command of a nation's Army. It may also be the title given to a General who commands an Army in the field.... |
Volodymyr Shkidchenko | November 2001 | June 2003 |
| Yevhen Marchuk Yevhen Marchuk Yevhen K. Marchuk , born on January 28, 1941, is a Ukrainian statesman and politician. During his career, Marchuk was prime minister of Ukraine, presidential candidate, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and Defense Minister of Ukraine. Marchuk is affiliated with the Ukrainian... |
June 2003 | September 2004 | |
| General of the Army General of the Army General of the Army is a military rank used in some countries to denote a senior military leader, usually a General in command of a nation's Army. It may also be the title given to a General who commands an Army in the field.... |
Oleksandr Kuzmuk | September 2004 | February 2005 |
| Anatoliy Grytsenko | February 4, 2005 | December 2007 | |
| Yuriy Yekhanurov Yuriy Yekhanurov Yuriy Ivanovych Yekhanurov is a Ukrainian politician who was Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2005 to 2006 and Minister of Defense in from 2007 to 2009... |
December 18, 2007 | June 5, 2009 | |
| Valeriy Ivaschenko (acting) | June 5, 2009 | March 11, 2010 | |
| Mykhailo Yezhel | March 11, 2010 |