Zelenskyy has established the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces within the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The Head of State announced this in an evening address.
A new format for rapid reaction forces
According to the President, the new structure will combine assault troops with unmanned systems, artillery and other components necessary to respond rapidly to changing conditions on the front line.
Zelenskyy noted that the decision is part of the transformation of the assault forces. He also announced that there would be personnel changes at the command level of these forces.
“This must be a modern, technologically advanced assault force, capable of responding as swiftly as possible to challenges on the battlefield,” the President emphasised.
Who will be responsible for forming the unit
The President has appointed Hero of Ukraine, Brigadier General Dmytro Voloshin, to be in charge of establishing and developing the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces. He currently commands the 8th Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces.
According to Zelenskyy, Voloshin has the necessary combat experience and is capable of driving the development of this new direction within the Armed Forces.
What the decree entails
By Decree No. 592/2026, the President instructed the Cabinet of Ministers, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the General Staff to take all necessary measures to form a new unit within the Land Forces.
In addition, they are to examine the issue of establishing the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces as a separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and prepare relevant proposals.
Furthermore, the Minister of Defence and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine must immediately submit the candidate for commander of the newly formed forces for approval.
Who is Dmytro Voloshin?
Dmytro Voloshin has been serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2008 and has been gaining combat experience since 2014. He previously commanded the 82nd Bukovyna Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, and in 2025 took command of the newly formed 8th Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces.
The brigadier general took part in the liberation of the Kherson region, the defence of Bakhmut, Soledar and Vovchansk, combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector and the Kursk offensive. He was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine for his service.
Follow us on our Telegram channel
