US Commander Suggests UK Special Forces Are Active in Ukraine.

A US commander has hinted that UK special forces are involved in Ukraine. In an interview with The Associated Press on May 12, 2024, General Bryan Fenton, head of US Special Operations Command, discussed the valuable lessons learned from the experience of UK special forces currently in Ukraine. The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen not to comment on these observations.
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Soldiers of the British Army and Groupement des Commandos Parachutiste (GCP), the advance forces of 16 Air Assault Brigade and 11e Brigade Parachutiste train together on Exercise Falcon Amarante in France. (Picture source: UK MoD)

General Fenton discussed plans to adapt Green Beret teams based on strategies learned from their British counterparts in Ukraine, suggesting enhancements such as the inclusion of cyber experts, Air Force pilots, or cryptologists in these teams. He emphasized that these modifications are directly derived from lessons learned in Ukraine, primarily through the expertise of UK special operations partners. These partners have quickly integrated additional roles, realizing the need for broader joint force support.

General Fenton also mentioned that British commandos had consulted Royal Air Force pilots for drone operations and had sought guidance from naval personnel to better understand naval maneuvers in the Black Sea.

The covert operations of Western military units in Ukraine have been long speculated, with increasing discussions about the possibility for Western countries to engage more openly militarily in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has even considered the possibility of deploying French troops.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence stated, "It is a consistent policy not to discuss UK Special Forces operations."

The UK's special forces network includes elite units such as the Special Air Service, the Special Boat Service, the Special Reconnaissance Regiment, the Special Forces Support Group, the 18th Signal Regiment, and the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing.

Reports from The Times of London in April 2022 indicated that UK special forces were in Ukraine to help train Ukrainian recruits on British-supplied anti-tank NLAW missiles. A senior European defense official confirmed to the Financial Times in February, "The presence of Western special forces in Ukraine is an open secret, although not officially acknowledged."

President Macron, speaking to The Economist, expressed openness to deploying French troops under certain conditions, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the conflict and the potential for increased involvement. Russia has responded strongly to such proposals, with former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev threatening to use nuclear weapons against any NATO countries intervening militarily in Ukraine.

General Fenton also shared additional challenges faced by US special operations commanders, including the need to manage budget cuts while incorporating more high-tech experts into their teams. The US Army's special forces, which are facing a reduction of about 5,000 troops over the next five years, are considering increasing the size of their Green Beret teams to include more specialized and technical skills. These changes are occurring amidst conflicting pressures due to overall force reductions and the evolving requirements of modern military operations.