Zelenskyy appoints new commander of Special Operations Forces

In his evening video address, Zelenskyy commented on the appointment of Colonel Serhiy Lupanchuk as the new Commander of the Special Operations Forces. 

"This is an experienced officer - a combat officer, the right commander and a person who can add more power to our Special Operations Forces. We are waiting for new results," the President said. He added that General Viktor Khorenko, who previously commanded the Special Operations Forces, will continue to perform special tasks as part of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

The appointment was announced on the president's official website. 

"To appoint Colonel Lupanchuk Serhiy Konstantinovich as the Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," reads Presidential Decree No. 728/2023. 

Previously, the Special Operations Forces were commanded by Viktor Khorenko. He was dismissed from the position he had held since 25 July 2022, before his successor was appointed, on 3 November. 

"To dismiss Viktor Oleksandrovych Khorenko from the post of Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," reads Decree No. 727/2023. 

Reference. The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are a separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which includes special forces units and information and psychological special operations units. They are staffed by specially trained professionals with special capabilities in the areas of intelligence, direct action and military support to carry out complex, dangerous and sometimes politically sensitive operations.