Special Purpose Center West

Special Purpose Center West, also known as Rukh Oporu West, is a specialized unit within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. Its primary missions include conducting operations behind enemy lines, organizing and recruiting civilians in occupied territories, training civilians under the National Resistance program, and carrying out covert operations. The unit was formed on the basis of Tactical Group “Kruk” of the Special Operations Forces.

All personnel are required to pass the Special Operations Forces’ minimum physical fitness standards, complete a basic reconnaissance course, and undergo specialized Rukh Oporu training. In its early stages, the unit received training and support from Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian special forces.

Each Special Purpose Center also includes several platoons tasked with covert operations against internal threats, functioning in a role comparable to that of a secret police service. Many of these servicemen were transferred from the KORD special police unit.