Recent remarks by a senior US military official have shed light on the potential involvement of UK special forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a development that has significant implications for the nature of Western support to the Ukrainian military.
Gen. Bryan Fenton, Commander of US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), in an interview with The Associated Press, provided insights that suggest the US military is closely observing the operations and tactics of UK counterparts in the Ukrainian theater.
The UK Ministry of Defence, maintaining its policy of discretion on Special Forces activities, has declined to comment on Gen. Fenton’s statements.
This silence is consistent with the longstanding approach of neither confirming nor denying the specific engagements of elite units such as the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS).
Gen. Fenton’s observations point to a broader restructuring and potential up-gunning of US Green Beret teams based on high-tech warfare learnings from British forces.
These changes could involve incorporating cyber experts, Air Force pilots, and cryptologists into traditional special operations formations—a move inspired by the demands of modern conflict as witnessed in Ukraine.
According to Gen. Fenton, British commandos have already required the expertise of Royal Air Force pilots for drone operations and Royal Navy personnel to navigate maritime complexities in the Black Sea.
These cross-service collaborations highlight the multifaceted nature of current military engagements and the increasing need for joint force elements in operations.
Despite the UK’s silence, there have been reports, including from Ukrainian commanders and European defense officials, acknowledging the presence of Western special forces in Ukraine.
The comments made to The Times of London and the Financial Times indicate training support provided by foreign commandos, particularly in the use of British-supplied anti-tank missiles known as NLAWs.
Additionally, the idea of formally deploying Western troops to Ukraine, which had been considered a radical proposition, has been discussed by leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron.
Although Macron has stated that he would contemplate sending French soldiers under certain conditions, this has not yet materialized into an official request from Ukraine or a breakthrough at the front lines.
The specter of Western troops operating in Ukraine has drawn stern warnings from Russian officials.
Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent Russian figure, has ominously mentioned the historical precedents and current nuclear capacities of Russia in response to any such developments.
In the backdrop of these strategic disclosures and political maneuverings, the US special operations forces themselves are facing a considerable reduction of around 5,000 troops over the next five years.
Relevant articles:
– US commander appeared to suggest UK special forces were operating in Ukraine, Yahoo News UK, 05/12/2024
– US Special Operations Leaders Are Having to Do More With Less and Learning From the War in Ukraine, Military.com, 05/11/2024