The Special Operations Forces are the youngest and one of the most advanced branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Over the past ten years, SOF operators have taken part in some of the most significant operations of the Russian-Ukrainian War, earning a reputation as elite professionals entrusted with the military's most demanding missions. They operate deep behind enemy lines, in temporarily occupied territories, and across land, sea, and air domains, often preparing the battlefield for subsequent offensive operations.
Selection for the Special Operations Forces is among the most demanding in the Ukrainian military: only around 10% of applicants successfully complete the qualification process. Operators are trained according to the principle of interchangeability, meaning every team member masters multiple specialties and can assume the responsibilities of a fellow operator whenever necessary. This versatility and autonomy enable small teams to operate independently, far from conventional military support.
The official symbol of the Special Operations Forces is the werewolf—a mythical warrior capable of blending into its surroundings, appearing where least expected, accomplishing the mission, and disappearing without a trace. The SOF emblem combines this figure with the princely bident of Sviatoslav the Brave, whose legendary battle cry, "Idu na vy" ("I Am Coming at You"), has become one of the defining symbols of the Special Operations Forces. Both the werewolf and this historic motto are featured on the special cancellation postmark created for this issue