Ukraine Establishes Cyber Forces Amid Ongoing Conflict

On October 9, 2023, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the first reading of draft law No. 12349, which aims to establish the Cyber Forces within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This initiative received backing from 255 lawmakers and underscores the increasing significance of cyber warfare in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The proposed Cyber Forces will serve as a military command body responsible for the nation's cyber defense, protecting military and government information systems, and responding to cyberattacks.

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The Cyber Forces will operate under the direct command of Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief and will be accountable to the President regarding national security matters. The Main Directorate of Radio Electronic and Cyber Warfare of Ukraine's General Staff is tasked with the establishment of this new command. The legislation outlines the formation of a cyber reserve, which will consist of civilian specialists who can temporarily join the Cyber Forces to assist in cyber defense tasks without requiring military status.

The Parliament Approves Creation of Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of UkraineKyiv IndependentParliament supported the creation of the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what is known about the structureThe Rada supported the creation of Cyberforces: what tasks will the troops perform?Ukraine and Estonia unite efforts in digitalization and cybersecurity – Ministry of Digital TransformationRada approved the President's decision to send units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to other countries

The formation of the Cyber Forces is a response to the evolving nature of warfare, where cyber capabilities have become critical in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Since the onset of full-scale hostilities, Ukraine has recognized the necessity of enhancing its cyber capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in cyberspace. The initiative to create a separate cyber unit has been in discussion since a presidential decree in August 2021, which initiated the formation of cyber troops within the military.

Parliament supported the creation of the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what is known about the structureKyiv IndependentThe Parliament Approves Creation of Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of UkraineThe Rada supported the creation of Cyberforces: what tasks will the troops perform?Ukraine and Estonia unite efforts in digitalization and cybersecurity – Ministry of Digital TransformationRada approved the President's decision to send units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to other countries

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak highlighted the importance of the Cyber Forces, stating that they will be integral to ensuring the cyber defense of Ukraine. Oleksiy Honcharenko, another member of parliament, emphasized that the new military branch will be equipped to attract civilian cyber reservists for specific tasks, enhancing the country's cyber deterrence measures.

The Rada supported the creation of Cyberforces: what tasks will the troops perform?Parliament supported the creation of the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what is known about the structureThe Parliament Approves Creation of Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of UkraineKyiv IndependentUkraine and Estonia unite efforts in digitalization and cybersecurity – Ministry of Digital TransformationRada approved the President's decision to send units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to other countries

While the establishment of Cyber Forces has garnered significant support, there are concerns regarding the integration of civilian specialists into military operations. Critics argue that the reliance on non-military personnel could complicate command structures and operational effectiveness during critical cyber incidents.

Parliament supported the creation of the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what is known about the structure

The draft law must undergo a second reading and receive presidential approval before it can be enacted into law. As Ukraine continues to face cyber threats from Russia, the establishment of the Cyber Forces is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the country's defense capabilities in cyberspace.

Kyiv IndependentParliament supported the creation of the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: what is known about the structureThe Parliament Approves Creation of Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of UkraineThe Rada supported the creation of Cyberforces: what tasks will the troops perform?Ukraine and Estonia unite efforts in digitalization and cybersecurity – Ministry of Digital TransformationRada approved the President's decision to send units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to other countries

• “The new branch of the military will be responsible for ensuring the cyber defense of the state, protecting military and government information systems, and responding to cyberattacks.” — Yaroslav Zhelezniak, MP

The Parliament Approves Creation of Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

• “It is proposed to create the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a military command body that will have the ability to attract a civilian component (cyber reservists) to its composition for the period of conducting relevant cyber deterrence measures,” — Oleksiy Honcharenko, MP

The Rada supported the creation of Cyberforces: what tasks will the troops perform?

The establishment of the Cyber Forces represents a strategic move by Ukraine to enhance its military capabilities in an increasingly digital battlefield, reflecting the critical role of cybersecurity in modern warfare.

Kyiv Independent