POLISH-UKRAINIAN PEACE FORCE BATTALION

GENESIS
The idea of establishment of the Polish-Ukrainian Peace Force Battalion originated on October 5, 1995 at the meeting of defense ministers of Poland and Ukraine. Three years later its formation was commenced. First joint training of Polish and Ukrainian soldiers took place in the period of 1-10 June 1996 in Ukraine and 30 September – 7 October 1996 in Poland.
The "POLUKRBAT" comprises the Polish component separated during its formation from the 14th Armoured Brigade (since February 1, 2000 the 14th Armoured Brigade was merged with the 21st Fusilier Brigade under a joint name and number) and the Ukrainian component separated from the 310th Mechanized Regiment in Jaworów (since 1998 there has also been in operation the 208th independent Special Battalion subordinated directly to the Ukraine's Western Operational Area Command). Basically the formation of the battalion was financed by Poland and Ukraine, however other countries also offered assistance in that respect. The U.S. equipped the battalion with a language lab. The Canadian Embassy offered computers, sponsored language courses for the battalion personnel and provided textbooks and audio-video materials to diversify the training process. On March 31, 1998 the process of formation of both national components of the Polish-Ukrainian Battalion was completed. The two great commanders of both nations: Jan Karol Chodkiewicz and Piotr Kanaszewicz Sahajdaczny were chosen to be the battalion's patrons. The unit as a whole achieved operational readiness at the beginning of 1999. The key staff positions in the battalion are taken up by rotation. Polish officer is the commander, Ukrainian officer is the deputy commander. English is the official language of the battalion.
Pursuant to Article 2 of Paragraph 1 of the "Agreement between the Republic of Poland and Ukraine concerning establishment of a joint unit for participation in international peace-keeping and humanitarian operations under the auspices of international organizations" signed on November 26, 1997 the battalion can be used in international missions approved by the UN Security Council or organized by another organization responsible for maintenance of international peace and security according to the provisions of Chapter 8 of the United Nations Charter or within international forces formed with the approval of the UN Security Council.

POLUKRBAT in Kosovo
At the beginning Polish and Ukrainian soldiers had only met during joint training. The mission to Kosovo is their first combat task. Here they can find out how many skills acquired during manoeuvres they can apply in extreme situations, in the face of grave jeopardy. The battalion's operation in Kosovo includes about 300 Polish and 180 Ukrainian soldiers. For the duration of the Kosovo mission a platoon of Lithuanian soldiers is also incorporated into the battalion.
The "POLUKRBAT" mission to Kosovo commenced on 18 July 2000. The "POLUKRBAT" staff headquarters is located in Camp Bondsteel in Urosevac (from 2006, earlier in the town of Kacanik).
The "POLUKRBAT" tasks include ensuring security of the population inhabiting the subordinate area as well members of humanitarian organizations, cooperation with the Supreme Commissioner for Refugees, providing protection of major facilities, border crossings, roads, bridges, viaducts and continuous patrols over the subordinate area.

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