Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Roman Mashovets discussed a number of issues regarding the prospects and ways for NATO countries to assist in building the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with NATO Strategic Advisor on Special Operations Forces (SOF) Michael Ripass (USA). Particular attention was paid to aspects of social protection and education of representatives of this unit of the Armed Forces in the general context of defense reform.
Roman Mashovets stressed the importance of expanding cooperation with Alliance members, primarily by taking into account the experience of building special operations forces in the face of modern threats. He informed the partner side about the state of development of the Ukrainian army and the special role played by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in deterring the enemy in the conditions of hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation. In addition, the parties discussed progress in achieving interoperability with NATO forces.
Special attention was paid to the special role that the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will play in building the national resistance movement. NATO is ready to provide expert support for the relevant bill (№ 5557), which is currently being considered by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
For his part, Michael Ripass reaffirmed the Alliance's continued support for Ukraine in the most effective ways of building the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure the sovereignty of our state.