May 29 is the International Day of Peacekeepers. Ukraine began celebrating this day in 2003. The history of Ukraine’s armed forces participation in peace-keeping operations dates back to 1992. It was then that Verkhovna Rada signed Resolution No. 2538-XII “On Participation of Battalion of the Ukraine’s Armed Forces in the United Nations’ Peacekeeping Forces in Conflict Zones in the Former Yugoslavia.” According to the Ministry of Defense, since 1992 nearly 37,000 Ukrainian soldiers took part in international peacekeeping operations. During this time 50 people died.
The Day asked Oleksii MELNYK, co-director of Foreign Policy and International Security programs at Razumkov Center and former peacekeeper about the significance of peacekeeping activities for Ukraine.
Mr. Melnyk what peacekeeping operations did you take part in?
“It was the UN mission in Eastern Slavonia, the former Yugoslavia in 1996. I was the chief of helicopter division at the UN mission headquarters in Vukovar.”
What are your memories about that time?
“It was unique and extremely useful experience. There is no need to convince soldiers who have been on peacekeeping mission about what direction should be chosen to develop the armed forces and what system, be it Western or Soviet one, should be taken as an example. Peacekeeping operations are carried out by NATO standards and procedures.”
What does participation in peacekeeping operations give Ukraine?
“Beginning just with the title of ‘peacekeeping’ it is what sounds prestigious. Ukraine’s participation in peacekeeping operations, a priori, is a positive factor that enhances its reputation in the world. This is one of the state activities in the international arena, which should bring positive results. The state budget receives substantial compensation from the UN Fund. And this hard currency, if put to good use, can be very beneficial for the development of the armed forces.”
Should Ukraine be involved in peacekeeping activity now?
“Yes, it should. Here is an example: in peacekeeping operations, let’s say, in Liberia or the Democratic Republic of Congo, helicopter pilot flies more hours than a few pilots fly in Ukraine during the whole year. At the same time, it doesn’t cost a penny for Ukraine – aviation kerosene refueling and the logistics are provided at the expense of the United Nations. It is a unique opportunity to support and improve the skills of our troops at the cost of the UN budget. Besides, this provides soldiers with unique experience of working in international troops contingent, cooperation, and establishing cooperation. For the peacekeepers it means an opportunity for professional growth, fairly good financial compensation for risks, and, what is equally important, moral satisfaction of the ability to be a part of a good cause. Peacekeeping is the kind of activity that is used by many European countries for defining their defense and security doctrines. It strengthens national security through strengthening global and regional security.”
Does the current government support peacekeeping activity?
“Yes, it does. The proof of that is the recent significant increase in salaries for peacekeepers and the decision passed on the participation of Ukraine’s peacekeeping contingent in the UN Mission in DR Congo.”
We also called Kostiantyn SADILOV, deputy head of Department for Press and Media Relations of the Defense Ministry of Ukriane and asked about the events planned to be held on this day.
In Kyiv at 9 a.m. leadership of the Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense together with representatives of United Nations office in Ukraine, soldiers, and veterans of peacekeeping operations will lay flowers and wreaths to the UN Alley in Navodnytsky Park.
Exhibition of works by photo correspondent of Holos Ukrainy newspaper Oleksandr Klymenko will open at 11:30 a.m. in the Central Officer’s Club. There also will be presented a booklet “20 years of peacekeeping.” Minister of Defense Dmytro Salamatin will attend the event. Later there will be an official meeting with the ceremony of awarding the best peacekeeping soldiers and a festive concert.
Various events, meetings of peacekeeping soldiers with school students, days of open military units will be held in other cities of Ukraine.
