Department of Legal Support of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine jointly with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and the US Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS), conducted a training course for lawyers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the functions of legal advisers of military force groupings.

This is the first-ever course in the Armed Forces of Ukraine that focuses on operational law and the application of various branches of law in planning and conducting combat operations. The program schedule encompasses education on the subsequent themes: General Provisions relating to National Security and National Defense; Concept and Principles of International Humanitarian Law; Rules of Engagement, Application of The International Law of Naval Warfare and Naval Rules of Engagement, International Humanitarian Law in Cyber Operations, Responsibility for Violations of International Humanitarian Law, Legal Support of Military Operations.

The course was the result of a long period of joint efforts by Ukrainian and American experts on the development of the curriculum and training materials. They include best practices and approaches of the international community, as well as specific examples and practical experiences of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Its emphasis on practical applications is the key advantage of the course.

During the graduation ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European integration, Oleksandr Balanutsa, and the Director of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, Colonel Elizabeth F. Allen, delivered closing remarks and congratulatory messages.

“Any form of cooperation with partners is valuable - it is not just about weapons, money, or ammunition, it is about sharing experience and knowledge. I am grateful to the US Defense Institute of International Legal Studies for the cooperation. I congratulate the officers of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Defence on completing this professional course. Use your knowledge as intended for the benefit of Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Balanutsa.

“This course is just a part of our ongoing partnership with Ukraine. Our team will continue responding to new legal needs as they arise. We will support this important partnership with the Ministry of Defense, which will strengthen Ukraine's efforts to counter russia's invasion legally," said U.S. Army Colonel Elizabeth Allen, Director of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS).

The course has empowered 12 legal services representatives from military units in the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively perform the roles of legal advisors of military force groupings. The course graduates will be engaged in their designated responsibilities on a rotational basis.