Ukraine established its own military forces of about 780,000 from the troops and equipment inherited from the former Soviet Union. It has reduced this figure to about 295,000 (plus 90,000 civilian workers in the Ministry of Defense), with the goal of further reductions to around 275,000 by 2005. Ukraine's stated national policy is Euro-Atlantic integration, including with both NATO and the European Union. Ukraine has a "Distinctive Partnership" with NATO and has been an active participant in Partnership for Peace exercises and in Balkans peacekeeping. A Ukrainian unit has been serving in Kosovo, in the U.S. sector.
Military branches: Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force, Air Defense Forces, Interior Troops, Border Troops
Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49:
12,263,178 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49:
9,616,864 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males:
390,823 (2002 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $500 million (FY99)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.4% (FY99)