New Military Branch for the Digital Battlefield
On October 9, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading the draft law No. 12349 “On the Cyber Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
The decision was supported by 255 deputies, marking a key step in Ukraine’s adaptation of its defense system to modern hybrid warfare challenges.
According to the explanatory note, the law’s purpose is to create a specialized military and technical structure within the Armed Forces of Ukraine responsible for cyber defense, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in cyberspace — following NATO standards of deterrence and defense.
Why the Law Matters
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that cyberspace, unlike traditional battlefields, has no borders or clear identifiers, and attacks can target civilian infrastructure as easily as military systems.
Therefore, a dedicated military unit is essential to define, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks in real time.
“Cyber defense has become one of NATO’s primary strategic missions. Ukraine’s future Cyber Forces will be structured to meet these same standards,” the submission to Parliament states.
Structure and Command
The new Cyber Forces will function as an independent branch of the Armed Forces, subordinate to:
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the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (operational command);
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and the President of Ukraine (strategic leadership as Supreme Commander-in-Chief).
Civilian IT and cybersecurity specialists will also be involved in cyber defense operations. Such experts may serve without obtaining formal military status, ensuring flexible integration of private-sector talent.
Main Tasks of the Cyber Forces
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Protection of communication and control systems — ensuring the security of electronic communications and industrial control networks within the Armed Forces.
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Planning and execution of cyber operations — including defense, counter-offensive, and intelligence missions.
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International military cooperation — conducting joint cyber defense initiatives with NATO and allied countries to counter shared digital threats.
Next Steps
The draft law will undergo consideration in the second reading before final adoption.
Once enacted, Ukraine will become one of the few non-NATO nations with a dedicated cyber military command, integrating civilian expertise, defense intelligence, and allied coordination under a single command structure.
This move positions Ukraine as a regional leader in military cyber defense, reflecting the increasing importance of digital sovereignty and strategic deterrence in modern warfare.
