[55], The interim Yatsenyuk Government which came to power, initially said, with reference to the country's non-aligned status, that it had no plans to join NATO. Twenty-one-year-old Roksolana, who gave only her first name for security reasons, walks in to pick up a uniform and other gear before heading out on her next assignment. The Ukrainian Army unveiled its current uniform on Independence Day in 2016. From special uniforms for pregnant soldiers to female toiletry kits, the . 13 Uniforms. [96], According to Defense Ministry figures early June 2016 some 49,500 women served in and worked in the Ukrainian military; more than 17,000 were military servicewomen, of which more than 2,000 officers. New conscripts to the Russian army have arrived on the frontline in Ukraine to be issued outdated and inadequate equipment. Troops drafted to fight for Vladimir Putin's forces are going into battle wearing the uniforms of dead or wounded soldiers, according to the Ukrainian military. Wars are mostly fought by young men. [16] At that time, the former Soviet armed forces in the Ukrainian SSR included the 43rd Rocket Army, the 5th, 14th 17th and 24th Air Armies of the Soviet Air Forces, an air-defense army (8th Air Defence Army), three regular armies, two tank armies, the 32nd Army Corps, and the Black Sea Fleet. KYIV, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Yuliia Mykytenko smiles as she adjusts her new trousers, confident she's finally found a Ukrainian army uniform that fits after 10 months of war with Russia. "Security and Defense" combined budget apart from Department of Defense (Defense Ministry) for Armed Forces of Ukraine, also includes expenses for Police, Customs, and Border Control. Poland donated their version of AKMS to Ukraine in 2022. Russian Army camo winter pants uniform Ukraine War 2022 soldier SZ 48-4 M L (#115699584064) KYIV (Reuters) - Yuliia Mykytenko smiles as she adjusts her new trousers, confident she . Russian troops conducted an assault operation near Pisky while wearing Ukrainian military uniforms with white bands on their arms and legs in order to deceive the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Administratively, the Ukrainian SSR was divided into three Soviet military districts (the Carpathian Military District, Kyiv Military District, and Odesa Military District). [96] In 2020, 58,000 women served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the weaponry evolved, and soon the soldier could be killed from a longer distance. The armed forces' military high school is located in Kyiv the Ivan Bohun Military High School. Ukraine has a "Distinctive Partnership" with NATO (see Enlargement of NATO) and has been an active participant in Partnership for Peace exercises and in peacekeeping in the Balkans. KYIV, Ukraine Glass shards, bits of metal and shell casings, the detritus from a fierce and lethal street fight in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, lay scattered over hundreds of . The Soviet Union generally kept the public in the dark through the war, and it has often been labeled as a mistake by the Soviet Union and its successor states. [50] Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych considered the level of co-operation between Ukraine and NATO sufficient. All Ukrainian defence sector was heavily affected by the systemic corruption which is hindering its capacity to perform the tasks of national security. Related Topics. 2003: $1.01 Billion (UAH 5.06 billion @5.0 exchange rate), 2004: $1.29 Billion (UAH 6.46 billion @5.0 exchange rate), 2005: $1.23 Billion (UAH 6.16 billion @5.0 exchange rate), 2006: $1.47 Billion (UAH 7.35 billion @5.0 exchange rate), 2007: $2.12 Billion (UAH 10.6 billion @5.0 exchange rate), 2008: $1.78 Billion (UAH 8.926 billion @5.0 exchange rate), 2009: $0.93 Billion (UAH 7.4 billion @8.0 exchange rate), 2010: $1.63 Billion (UAH 13.1 billion @8.0 exchange rate), 2011: $1.82 Billion (UAH 14.6 billion @8.0 exchange rate), 2012: $2.05 Billion (UAH 16.4 billion @8.0 exchange rate), 2013: $1.88 Billion (UAH 15.3 billion @8.1 exchange rate), 2014: $1.37 Billion (UAH 15.1 billion @11.0 exchange rate), 2015: $1.91 Billion (UAH 40.2 billion @21.0 exchange rate), Melanie Bright, The Jane's Interview: Yevhen Marchuk, Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Jane's Defence Weekly, 7 January 2004, John Jaworsky, "Ukraine's Armed Forces and Military Policy," Harvard Ukrainian Studies Vol. [24] The government of Ukraine surrendered any rights of succession to the Soviet Strategic Deterrence Forces[25] (see Strategic Missile Troops) that were staged on the territory of Ukraine. Due to the War in Donbas, Ukraine has instated a partial mobilization to fill needed positions in its armed forces, recalling conscripts who have served before, because of the war many conscripts have also been forced to serve longer than their original 18-month term of service. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Foreign journalists have no access to the young Russian men only a few miles away on the other side of the front line. By Joseph Reberkenny on June 2, 2022 About sharing. I have no doubt that many young Russians in the war have hopes as high as Dmytro and Maksym. NOW WATCH: Videos show dead bodies and a mass grave in Bucha, Ukraine, Insider's Sam Fellman wrote in early March. 12 March 2022. Uzhhorod Zonal Unit (AOR: Zakarpattia Oblast), Khmelnytskyi Zonal Unit (AOR: Khmelnytskyi Oblast), Khmelnytskyi, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Vinnytsia Zonal Unit (AOR: Vinnytsia Oblast), Vinnytsia, Vinnytsia Oblast, Mykolaiv Zonal Unit (AOR: Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad Oblast), Mykolaiv, Mykolaiv Oblast, Kherson Zonal Unit (AOR: Kherson Oblast), Kherson, Kherson Oblast, Donetsk Zonal Unit (AOR: Donetsk Oblast), Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia Zonal Unit (AOR: Zaporizhzhia Oblast), Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Luhansk Zonal Unit (AOR: Luhansk Oblast), Severodonetsk, Luhansk Oblast, Kharkiv Zonal Unit (AOR: Kharkiv Oblast), Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast. "I feel much more confident than I was before, because we get enough knowledge in tactics, in martial arts, in tactical medicine and in how to do something on the battlefield." So, death is not an option for us.". [62] The Ukrainian Armed Forces, together with its auxiliary and wartime-affiliated organizations, have been participants of many of the combat actions of the current conflict. By The Moscow Times. "Not much, but it is human nature to feel scared, and of course deeply in my soul I feel a bit scared, as no one wants to die, even if it's for your country. Updated Then I'd have to tie them in with a belt, so they wouldn't hang or fall off," she said. The Ukrainian . Gen. Pat Ryder said., [59] The Ukrainian military is since transforming to NATO standards. World Ukraine NATO Russia International Affairs. Soon after arrival in Sarajevo on 31 July 1992, the battalion's artillery ended up in the middle of a mutual mortar fight between the Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Muslims. The new uniforms were modeled on British and Polish military styles . I learned how to shoot and how to act in the battle, also many other things that will be very crucial in the fight with the Russians." The forerunner of this process was the formation of national military formations in the Imperial and Royal Armies of Austria-Hungary, namely the Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, based on the formation of which were Ukrainian paramilitary organizations in Galicia: Sich Sports and Fire Brigade, Sokil and the national scout organization Plast. 29/12/2022. ", " :: 78 (273274), 2016:: :: Universum", Ukraines Toughest Fight: The Challenge of Military Reform, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine 16 November 2017 to 15 February 2018, NATO confirms readiness for Ukraine's joining organization, NATO membership for Georgia and Ukraine held off, Ukraine has no alternative to Euro-Atlantic integration Ukraine has no alternative to Euro-Atlantic integration Poroshenko, Deschytsia states new government of Ukraine has no intention to join NATO, "New Ukraine Coalition Agreed, Sets NATO As Priority", Ukraine Ends Nonaligned Status, Earning Quick Rebuke From Russia, Spotlight: Scrapping non-aligned status paves Ukraine's way to NATO, fuels Russia's wrath, Yatseniuk: Ukrainian army to switch to contract service, de facto become part of NATO, "Ukrainian leader calls for revamp of peace process to end Donbas war", "Ukraine's New Offensive Is Fueled by Captured Russian Weapons", "Ukraine to end military conscription after autumn call-ups", Ukraine reinstates conscription as crisis deepens, "Ukraine battles persist before cease-fire deadline; 25 dead", "Ukraine has one million ready for fightback to recapture south | Worl", Ukase of the President of Ukraine #555/2015: About decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of 2 September 2015 "About new edition of the Ukrainian military doctrine" ( 555/2015: 2 2015 " "), ", , ", " ", " | ", "Kozhara: Hetman Sahaidachny frigate to join NATO's anti-piracy operation", "Ukraine's navy barely recovering from its near-death experience", " () ", "Official website of National Defense University of Ukraine", The Defense Ministry told which areas of shortage of recruits, "Ukrainian Parliament Recommends Resumption Of Mandatory Conscription", "Ukraine to spend five percent of 2015 budget on defense and security", "Draft law No. 28, 2022. As part of the growing disintegration in the ranks of the Russian Imperial Army, the process of forming national units began. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Russian Army camo backpack rucksack uniform Ukraine War 2022 R58 at the best online prices at eBay! Discovery Company. She now has a uniform produced by Stanyslav Bitus, a fashion designer who volunteered his services. Support Forces Command (Military Unit Number 2330), Kyiv. Some have hips too wide, or a chest too narrow. In May 1992, Ukraine signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), in which the country agreed to give up all nuclear weapons and to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. . He is also a border guard who is still in captivity. Their hub is overflowing with cardboard boxes full of kit, all paid for from crowdfunding and grants. December 21, 2022, 5:47 AM. [128] 2016 also saw a 30% increase in weapons development spending. These units received minimal funding from regional budgets initially and mostly relied on donations. Female military personnel will receive the first batch of pants, jackets and tactical underwear, which are sewn according to women's standards, ZMINA reported. Since gaining independence Ukraine has deployed troops to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, as well as dedicating peacekeepers to UN missions to Africa (including helicopter units). CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Omega, Scorpion (nuclear sites security), Tytan, and others. . 13.2 Armor. February 26, 2022 02:17 +08. When they waited outside for the bus that was going to be taking them to the training base, they looked like friends on the way to a festival - apart from the guns. [96] Women are eligible to be drafted into the military as officers. [18], In February 1991, a parliamentary Standing Commission for Questions of Security and Defense was established. Free delivery for many products! February 28, 2022, 8:34 PM UTC. In 2003 Ukraine completed its first set of reforms which were judged largely successful, with the personnel numbers stabilizing at 295,000 of which 90,000 were civilian contractors. In May 2014, when the Russian aggression started in the eastern regions, a helicopter with 14 soldiers on board, including General Serhiy Kulchytskiy, who headed combat and special training for the country's National Guard, was brought down by militants near Sloviansk in East Ukraine. Ukraine has been playing an increasingly larger role in peacekeeping operations. A bitter wind blew through the checkpoint which the volunteers were trying to turn into a real obstacle with sandbags and steel tank traps. [48], On 1 February 2022, the Territorial Defense Forces were formed as the new branch of the Armed Forces. Ukrainian military tactics and organization are heavily dependent on Cold War tactics and former Soviet Armed Forces organization. Clips of glamorous women in Ukrainian military uniforms dancing, fooling around in barracks, and even holding bullets have gone viral on social media. Their families are still there. Until 2013, the Ground Forces were divided into three army corps. He also warned that Russia is likely to try again to take Kyiv, but said he did not know when that could happen. Military units have started testing newly designed women's army uniforms, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov announced on December 26. . Dmytro's parents knew what he was doing. Kolesnyk says they have distributed equipment worth $1 million so far and helped at least 3,000 women. Maksym had gone to join up with his friend Dmytro Kisilenko, 18, who was studying economics at the same university. ALONA MAZURENKO - THURSDAY, 28 JULY 2022, 19:20. Origins of the post-1992 Ukrainian Armed Forces, Attempt at reforms and constant fund shortages. Russia-Ukraine war The tens of thousands of women in Ukraine's armed forces have long had to make do with men's uniforms. This doesn't only not help but can bring on more trauma.". The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Toggle Uniforms subsection 13.1 Camouflages. Dec 21, 2022, 4:32 PM SGT. Despite great effort to resolve the issue there were signs that enough is not being done. Due to the decommunization process in Ukraine, all these decorations were removed from unit titles and regimental colours by 15 November 2015 to cease promotion and glorification of the Soviet symbols. But if the Russians come, like all the volunteers, Maksym and Dmytro will be firing out of the trenches they helped dig into the surrounding ground, where boxes of Molotov cocktails are waiting - old bottles filled with petrol and pieces of grated polystyrene and stuffed with a rag to ignite what they hope might even disable a tank. These are the military holidays observed by all service personnel the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. The industry leader for online information for tax, accounting and finance professionals. This eventually resulted in uprisings against the Hetmanate rule, and the reorientation of the Central Powers, which lost World War I against the Entente, which in turn supported the White Guard movement and the Russian Empire as its original ally. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Posted March 1, 2022 4:15 pm. Weekly quiz: Which house are Harry and Meghan vacating? Ukrainian veterans from the SovietAfghan War are strikingly similar to the Vietnam War veterans of the United States. [84] The minimum maintenance for a contract soldier is 7,000. [citation needed], Simultaneously with these events, after the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917, numerous military formations were formed on Ukrainian lands, including detachments of the Free Cossacks, Father Makhno's Ukrainian Insurgent Army, and the Bolshevik Red Cossacks. [54] Amid the Euromaidan unrest, Yanukovych fled Ukraine in February 2014. Trophy Cap Soldier's Uniform of the Russian Army. If theyre on the front-line shooting rockets they might as well do it in minimum comfort, he tells CNN. Ukraine also gradually began recruiting professional soldiers, although in almost all cases a person had to serve as a conscript prior to becoming a professional soldier. Operation Command East was formed in 2015 to coordinate forces in the war in Donbas. A Ukrainian serviceman walks amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6, 2022. . Most part of the problems remained intact, for example: lack of civilian and parliamentary control of the armed forces, lack of internal coordination between different departments, poor integration of volunteers into the regular army, impunity and abusive behavior of military personnel in the conflict zone and systemic corruption and opacity of financial resources, especially in the Ukroboronprom defense-industry monopoly. KYIV, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Yuliia Mykytenko smiles as she adjusts her new trousers, confident she's finally found a Ukrainian army uniform that fits after 10 months of war with Russia. In 2016, the Ukrainian Air Force was reported to have included 36,300 personnel. "It's definitely possible" said Dmytro. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 28 July The logistical forces are mainly organised in two arms Weaponry and Rear Services. He'd manage, after five years in the Scouts, not just learning backwoods skills, but also some weapons training. Insider's Sam Fellman wrote in early March that Russia's push for a "lightning" victory was centered on taking Kyiv, an objective that it was soon obvious it could not easily achieve. After weeks of stasis, Russia over the weekend began to withdraw from around Kyiv, and Ukrainian officials said this week that it was once more in control of the whole of the Kyiv administrative region. [41], In the early months of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Armed Forces were widely criticised for their poor equipment and inept leadership, forcing Internal Affairs Ministry forces like the National Guard and the territorial defence battalions to take on the brunt of the fighting in the first months of the war.[42][43]. Miss Ukraine, Nina Goryniuk . A Ukrainian couple has set up an initiative to procure equipment and uniforms that work better for women in the country's armed forces. + $18.00 shipping. [66][needs update], There were a reported total of 250,800 personnel in the Armed Forces in 2015. [12] The Ukrainian Sea Guard is the coast guard service of Ukraine, and it is organized as part of the Border Guard Service, not subordinate to the navy. On 24 August 1991, the Ukrainian parliament (the Verkhovna Rada), in adopting the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, also enacted a short resolution "About military formations in Ukraine". James Sherr, 'Ukraine's Defence Reform: An Update', Steven J Zaloga, "Armed Forces in Ukraine,". By Katie Forcade Kentucky. The Hill, "Ukraine military says soldier blew himself up on bridge to halt Russian advance," Feb. 25, 2022 New York Times, " As I Write, President Zelensky Is Beside Me. ", "Avakov announces large-scale "cleansing" among generals", " ", " ", "EU Naval Force Admiral Visits Ukrainian Navy Warship Hetman Sagaidachny", " ", "UN Mission's Contributions by Country for September 2010", "DR Congo: UN peacekeeping mission receives tactical helicopters from Ukraine", "Helicopter May Land Ukraine's Military in Hot Water With U.N.", "Ukrainian Government Rushes to Dampen Secessionist Sentiment", "Ukraine 'preparing withdrawal of troops from Crimea', "President: The words "Glory to Ukraine! Since 2019, the Ivan Bohun Military High School accepts both male and female cadets. The Ukrainians took fire, and over several hours held the objectives they had been assigned to secure.[110]. One of the Serbian shells hit the Ukrainian position, seriously wounding seven soldiers, one of whom died after hospitalization in Germany. . metres in the district of their registration. [citation needed]. Military shoulder sleeve insignia first appeared in the 19th century. Other veterans are not as well known. Read about our approach to external linking. When Ukraine gained its independence, it retained the policy of conscription, although the time in service was reduced to 18 months in the navy and one year in all other services. March 23, 2022 Army Combat Fitness Test Media Round Table March 21, 2021 January 31, 2022 Nameplates now available for the Army Green Service Uniform; December 9, 2021 Department of the Army . The 2022 Etsy Design Awards Winners The Etsy Edit: Creator Series Support Maker Communities . close panel. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. They made the best of their very basic training. [95], On 3 June 2016, Defense Ministry's Order No. [51] His predecessor Viktor Yushchenko had asked for Ukrainian membership by early 2008. Special Operations Forces, what will the new branch be like? Everyone here in Kyiv is waiting for what is likely to be the key battle of the war, soldiers, civilians in and out of uniform, along with Maksym and Dmytro and the other volunteers who are getting ready to fight with them. Published. Veterans of the war in Donbas are eligible for receiving apartments (if staying in active duty) or a land plot for building purposes of 1,000 sq. appreciated. We had no helmets, we had old flak jackets, wore tracksuits and sneakers. . Khaki became the colour of military uniforms to avoid that through better . Other items, including body armor plates, helmets and boots, come from companies as far afield as Sweden, Macedonia and Turkey. As of 2010[update] the total personnel was 200,000 (including 41,000 civilian workers). Pictures also showed a Ukrainian military truck and dead men wearing Ukrainian military uniforms who were allegedly actually disguised Russians. Russian soldiers took parade uniforms with them to Kyiv, a Ukrainian army . 292 allowed women to serve in combat units. Yuliia Mykytenko smiles as she adjusts her new trousers, confident she's finally found a Ukrainian army uniform that fits after 10 months of war with Russia. [127], On 21 December 2016, the Verkhovna Rada adopted its 2017 National Security and Defense budget worth $5.172 billion; that being 5% of Ukraine's GDP. The Ukrainian army distributes basic uniforms, but not the pocketed vests specially designed to carry guns and first-aid kits, or the light backpacks that American soldiers take for granted. However, as there was no official declaration of war, it was difficult to determine the cut-off date for veteran benefits, leaving many that participated at the beginning of the conflict without benefits. [68] The Ukrainian Ground Forces are divided into Armoured and Mechanized Forces, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence and Rocket and Artillery Troops. It continued in a limited form after the establishment of Hetman of Ukraine Pavlo Skoropadskyi's Ukrainian State, known as the [Second] Hetmanate. Previously, a National Guard had existed up until 2000, so the 2014 NG was a reformation of the one raised in 1991, but this time formed part of the Internal Troops of Ukraine. The official said the soldiers left them behind when withdrawing from the Kyiv area, after weeks of trying without success to take the Ukrainian capital. On 28 February 2022, President Zelenskyy offered release for prisoners with combat experience if they join the fight against Russia. The TDF serves as a military reserve force which is formed by volunteers who are mobilized for local defense. Milla Nova employees' strenuous efforts over the last two weeks making clothing for Ukraine's defence and medical personnel have won praise . Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. On 3 July 1992, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution committing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to UN peacekeeping missions. The Ukrainian prisoners were forced to wear the uniform of the invading Russian army during their captivity. [44] These made their national debut on 24 August 2016, at the National Independence Day Silver Jubilee parade in Independence Square, Kyiv. "The kneecap pocket part is very important when you fall on the ground. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace falls victim to Russian pranksters. [117], On 19 March 2014, Ukraine drew plans to withdraw all its troops and their families to the mainland "quickly and efficiently". After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, the Ukrainian Galician Army came to the defense of the Western Ukrainian People's Republic, based on the formation of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen of the former Austro-Hungarian Army. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Amazon.com: AXEN 2pcs Ukraine Army Patch, Tactical Morale Ukrainian Shield Patch Loop and Hook Design Military Uniform Emblem Patches : Arts, Crafts & Sewing Skip to main content . Ukraine's deputy defense minister said Russian troops seized Ukrainian vehicles and were heading to Kyiv . All these reforms were championed by Leonid Kuchma, the second President of Ukraine, who wanted to retain a capable military and a functioning military-industrial complex on the basis of a mistrust for Russia, stating once "The threat of Russification is a real concern for us". [52][53] During the 2008 Bucharest summit, NATO had declared that Ukraine will become a member of NATO whenever it wants and when it meets the criteria for accession. [133] By 2022, some reforms had been made. Dec. 21, 2022, at 3:05 a.m. Sewing for Ukraine: Volunteers Make Army Uniforms for Women. Ukraine also had two uranium mining and processing factories, a heavy water plant and technology for determining the isotopic composition of fissionable materials. That changed when a friend suggested using a non-governmental organisation's premises. [85] However, due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, conscription, as well as a partial mobilization, was reinstated in 2014. Ukraine voluntarily gave up these and all other nuclear weapons during the early 1990s. In October 2013, President Viktor Yanukovych ended conscription in Ukraine. Both her father and husband have been killed since the start of the war. [57] On 23 December 2014, the Verkhovna Rada renounced Ukraine's non-aligned status[55][58] that "proved to be ineffective in guaranteeing Ukraine's security and protecting the country from external aggression and pressure". This downsizing occurred purely for financial reasons, with the Ukrainian economy in recession this was a way to shrink the government (defense) expenditure and at the same time release hundreds of thousands of young people into the private sector to stimulate growth. + $20.00 shipping. Along with their equipment and personnel, Ukraine's armed forces inherited the battle honors and lineage of the Soviet forces stationed in Ukraine. Ukraine's armed forces are composed of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, the Ukrainian Air Force, the Ukrainian Navy, the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces and the Special Operations Forces. STORY: Mykytenko smiles as she adjusts her new trousers, confident she's finally found a Ukrainian army uniform that fits after 10 months of war with Russia. "I know that finding the right uniform is a problem for many women. Their parents must be praying that their sons' plans, energy and even their lives are not smashed by the brutal realities of war, like so many in all the other generations of young men who have joined up to fight in Europe's wars. Recognizing the complications of a smooth transition and seeking a consensus with other former members of the Soviet Union in dividing up their Soviet military inheritance, Ukraine joined ongoing talks that started in December 1991[26] regarding a joint military command of the Commonwealth of Independent States.[27]. close panel. On 22 November 2018, the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine was officially established.[165]. In 2014, as Ukraine tried to prevent Russia annexing the Crimean Peninsula, "lots of people said there are no gay people in the army". Maksym joked that his mother had told him to stay in a shelter and volunteer to cook the food.