Major General Ihor Plakhuta, Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Day of Territorial Defense of Ukraine is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of October. In 2025, this professional holiday was observed on October 5. The day honors the soldiers of the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF), who have played a critical role in Ukraine's national resistance since 2014 and especially since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky instituted the holiday in 2020 by decree. Its purpose is to “highlight the importance of the TDF in ensuring national defense and territorial integrity”, according to his Executive Order No. 417/2020.

Ukrinform used this occasion to meet and talk with Major General Ihor Plakhuta, Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Major General Plakhuta assumed the position of Deputy Commander of the Special Operations Forces, later serving as Deputy Commander of the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Command. On February 11, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Plakhuta to serve as Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

How have the Territorial Defense Forces changed since creation? Have they managed to get rid of the status of "secondary troops”? And how does the experience gained by the Territorial Defense Forces affect Ukraine’s current military doctrine? Ukrinform managed to converse with the TDF commander about these and other topics, despite his busy schedule.

CONFIDENCE ON THE FRONTLINE AND THE MOST CHALLENGING SECTORS OF THE BATTLEFRONT

- Mr. Major General, what impressed you the most during your recent visits to frontline units and conversations with soldiers fighting there?

- For a number of reasons, I visit the front line on a regular basis and quite often. And, I hope, there will be no “last” trip (smiles). I won’t go into details, but recently, during such a trip to one of the hottest sectors, I had the opportunity to watch our soldiers defeating Russian assault troops trying to gain a foothold in positions. So, my personal impression is positive, but the enemy’s is not really so. Because the front line is impressive in itself! (Smiles).

To be serious, every time I speak to commanders and fighters, I see such, you know, calm confidence and determination in their eyes. And this cannot but make an impression, because people perform their missions in very high-risk areas, at the limit of human capabilities, constantly putting their lives at risk.  

- Which of the frontline sectors are currently the most difficult for your units? Why are territorial defense units actively involved there?

- Territorial Defense units are fighting in every sector of the frontline, but mostly in the "hottest" ones - Kupyansk, Toretsk, and Novopavlivka. Each sector is challenging in itself, but Pokrovsk is probably the toughest right now because it is the main axis of enemy assault. So, most of attempted assaults are taking place in the Pokrovsk sector, but the Defense Forces repel them all. Moreover, as you may know, our forces are in counteroffensive mode in this sector, gradually regaining control over the areas previously lost to the enemy. Overall, 180 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in the Pokrovsk District have already been liberated, and almost 200 square kilometers have been mopped up of Russian sabotage groups.

These directions are difficult not only for the units of the Territorial Defense Forces, but also for all the Defense Forces as a whole. And this is only understandable. The enemy is actively deploying aircraft to carry out fire strikes against our forces using precision-guided bombs. Russians are seeking to establish close fire control over those areas using artillery fire and UAVs, obstructing Ukrainian supply and evacuation routes.

So, the situation itself answers the question of why the Territorial Defense Forces are fighting in the toughest sectors of the frontline. Precisely because it is difficult and "hot" here. However, the Territorial Defense Forces have long proven their effectiveness in performing combat and special missions as part of force groupings and units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On top of that, the Territorial Defense Forces are truly a strong force: 119 battalions are currently performing frontline missions within 24 separate Territorial Defense brigades.

FROM KYIV TO BAKHMUT: OPERATIONS ASSISTED BY TERRITORIAL DEFENSE FORCES THAT CLEARED UP SCEPTICISM

- Which of Territorial Defense units have shown themselves to be the most effective fighting on the front lines? Can you give examples of specific operations?

- First of all, it is worth recalling that Territorial Defense units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were formed amid full-scale Russian invasion. Despite this, it was very soon that we were able to begin performing combat missions. This helped the other elements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to deploy their groups of forces and begin performing their assigned tasks. Thanks to this, new military units of other branches and services of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were formed. At the same time, the Territorial Defense units closely assisted in the defense, and later in the liberation of the Russian occupied areas.

Units of the 112th and 114th Territorial Defense Brigades, for example, acting in coordination with allied units of the Defense Forces, stopped the enemy on the approaches to Kyiv [in March 2022]. The 119th Territorial Defense Brigade was containing Russian forces in the Chernihiv sector to prevent Chernihiv city and other settlements in the region from being captured by the enemy.

Units of the 117th Territorial Defense Brigade, fighting side by side with allied units, while being in operational encirclement, prevented the capture of the city of Sumy.

Units of the 127th, 113th, 108th, and 105th TDF brigades of the Ukrainian Defense Forces led the defense of Kharkiv city. And later, during the Kharkiv counteroffensive operation, they carried out offensive and assault actions and liberated a number of settlements.

In addition, units of the 120th, 107th, 104th, 112th, 241st, 127th TDF brigades held the defense in Bakhmut and along the Bakhmut axis, and were among the last to leave the city together with units of other branches of the Defense Forces.

Units of the 124th TDF Brigade took control over an area on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River, conducted offensive and assault actions in coordination with other units of the Defense Forces and liberated settlements in the Kherson region.

TDF brigades deployed in different sectors of the front line during the all-out war demonstrated successful actions and servicemen’s motivation. I think that these operations confirmed the rationality of the decision to deploy Territorial Defense units outside the regions in which they were formed, despite some initial skepticism. Do you remember the saying that has it that “home ground helps”? And if not at home, then training, comrades and weapons help the TDF soldier! And in general, all of Ukraine is our home. And therefore, there is no difference where to beat the enemy!

- There is a stereotype that the Territorial Defense Forces are “secondary forces”. What would you answer the skeptics after three and a half years of war?

- The Territorial Defense Forces have long proven that they are not “secondary forces”. Territorial Defense has shown high combat capability, flexibility and readiness to act in difficult conditions. This is an example of how Ukrainians are able to self-organize, learn and effectively defend their country. We have evolved into an integral part of Ukraine’s national defense ecosystem, and not only at the front line. After all, we assist in the defense of strategic facilities, perform tasks to support regular troops and protect communities in front-line and rear areas. I would like to note that not only the Territorial Defense Forces, but also Voluntary Territorial Community Formations (VTCF) (volunteer units that assist the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces. These formations allow citizens who are not mobilized into the regular army to participate in national defense) are being closely engaged in the performance of those tasks.

CIVILIAN DEFENDERS OF THE SKY: HOW TDF’s MOBILE AIR DEFENSE GROUPS WORK

- VTCF detachments are part of the territorial defense ecosystem while technically not being part of the Armed Forces. As Russia began to intensify its air attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure, mobile air defense groups began to be formed within these volunteer formations. How effective are the VTCFs in defending civilian and military infrastructures?

- Starting last year, mobile air defense groups consisting of civilian volunteers began to be actively created in Ukraine. Under the operational command of the Air Force, they were involved in providing air defense to these facilities.

VTCF mobile air defense groups have shot down 350 targets over the first nine months of 2025. Is this a lot or not? Considering that these groups consist of civilians, I assess their effectiveness to be pretty high.

Alongside this we have begun to create air defense groups within VTCF formations, which will use UAV interceptors. Currently, the selection of personnel, their training and the purchase of these drones are ongoing.

- We have repeatedly seen examples of light civil aircraft being used against hostile drones. Will this experience be scaled up across the territorial defense ecosystem, and will it be included in the multilayered drone defense network as recently announced by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

- Regarding the so-called "small" or light-engine aircraft, the first such group has already been created and is performing air defense tasks. The group has already managed to destroy more than 70 air targets since the time it was formed in June and began to perform tasks in early July. This success proves high effectiveness and efficiency of such air defense groups.

This group has now been transferred to under the operational command of the Air Force. So we can suggest that it is already part of the multilayered drone defense system. And this is just the beginning.

As for scaling up, the Armed Forces are indeed interested in such groups to be formed. Indeed, efforts will be made to increase the number of air defense groups consisting of manned aircraft within VTCF formations, taking into account the experience gained and lessons learnt. Our international partners are already showing a keen interest in this experience.

NATO-COMPLIANT NEW EQUIPMENT AND ARMAMENTS FOR TDF

- What is the share of modern equipment in TDF’s inventory?

- Thank you for this question; it is highly relevant, because in the conditions of modern warfare, the presence of effective weapons and equipment is a decisive factor on the battlefield.

The TDF’s capabilities have been significantly bolstered with modern technologies. Our units are gradually receiving modern four-wheel drive trucks, in particular from foreign manufacturers, which significantly improves logistics for the delivery of personnel, ammunition and medical aid.

Additionally, we have received foreign-made light armored vehicles such as ROSHEL, OSHKOSH, MaxxPro, and Hummer from international partners, along with domestic-made models like Kozak-5. This increases the sustainability of units and allows them to perform tasks more safely.

Of course, we have also received modern pickup trucks, without which it is difficult to imagine the life of fighters on the front line and the needs of mobile air defense groups.

As regards small arms, our units are being provided with modern models chambered for NATO cartridges, as well as heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and anti-tank weapons - everything that is needed for effective defense and deterrence of the enemy.

To support offensive and defensive actions, we have modern artillery systems, in particular Dana-2M self-propelled howitzers and 120 mm Alacran self-propelled mortars, which provide powerful fire cover. Separately, I would like to note that the units have received and are receiving TOW, Milan and other anti-tank systems from partners, which increases our ability to destroy enemy armored vehicles.

And finally, unmanned systems. We are equipped with various types of unmanned aerial vehicles and ground robotic platforms that are used for missions of reconnaissance, artillery fire spotting, logistics, evacuation, and destruction of enemy manpower and equipment. This is one of the most dynamic areas of armament technologies, and it is constantly developing.

- What role do drones play in your units today?

- This role is really huge! Unmanned vehicles, not only aerial, but also ground ones perform reconnaissance roles. Drones are used for fire support, engaging enemy targets and protecting own ones in the air, as well as for EW and jamming roles, logistics and evacuation, and even for information and psychological influence on the enemy! In addition, TDF units are also using UAV capabilities for documenting and recording war crimes committed by the enemy, and also help us compile appropriate reports for subsequent submission to higher command in the approved manner.

Today it is impossible to imagine combat missions performed without the support of drones. This technology is constantly evolving, new solutions are emerging, the range of drones is expanding and payload is increasing. There are already examples of drones driven by artificial intelligence. So we are working to ensure that our units are equipped with the widest possible range of drones, we are constantly looking for and finding new solutions.

- Do you see the future of the TDF as a “technological army” that can adapt new products faster than others?

- Certainly yes! It is the Territorial Defense Forces that have the greatest potential to become a kind of testing ground for the latest technologies. Structural flexibility, close cooperation with communities, and the active involvement of volunteers and the IT sector create an environment for the rapid introduction of innovations - from UAVs and electronic warfare systems to digital control platforms.

Our future lies in the introduction of robotic systems, strike and interceptor UAVs, ground and air reconnaissance, as well as automated control and data exchange systems. This makes the Territorial Defense Forces the driver of technological innovations across the Armed Forces.

- How do the TDF differ from other military branches and services in terms of the priorities for provision?

- In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, every unit is assigned own tasks that define its priorities for provision. Tank or artillery units, for example, receive some types of equipment, while territorial defense units receive different types.

Our units, based on the tasks assigned, are most in need of modern automobiles and armored vehicles. The war has shown that even very modern vehicles wear out quickly and require constant replacements. Therefore, this is a key priority for us. We continue to rely on support from the government and international partners to reduce these needs and provide our fighters with everything they need. After all, it is not just about equipment, it is about the lives of the people who use it.

SECRET OF RECRUITMENT: WHY UKRAINIANS CHOOSE TO SERVE IN THE TDF

- What percentage of the TDF personnel is made up of civilian volunteers, mobilized personnel and veterans?

- At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, civilian volunteers made up almost 100% of TDF personnel, with only key positions in the units being occupied by career officers. It should also be taken into account that in 2022, almost all volunteers were registered for military service as mobilized directly to specific military units. Therefore, approximately 80% of volunteers went through mobilization, and only about 20% immediately signed contracts for service.

Regarding veterans, now everyone who takes part in hostilities is a combatant. Combatants comprise approximately 70 percent of TDF personnel. In addition, a little more than 10% of TDF personnel have held the status of combatants since the ATO (Anti-Terrorist Operation) and JFO (Joint Forces Operation) military campaigns.

- In addition to recruitment for basic military service and through mobilization, there is also contract service. According to some accounts, the TDF recruiting centers demonstrate perhaps the best results across the Armed Forces. Why do Ukrainians choose to serve in the Territorial Defense Forces?

- We have managed to create a really effective recruiting system in the Territorial Defense Forces. The first birthday anniversary of the 4th Territorial Defense Forces recruiting center has recently been celebrated. In addition, now every brigade has its own recruiting unit and a full-fledged recruiting management vertical has been built - from the Territorial Defense Forces Command down to individual military units.

Members of our recruiting units have a truly high level of professionalism combined with combat experience. A seven-day hotline has been set up. The website and the page “Territory of Recruitment” on social networks are working. Servicemen with experience in personnel departments at the largest employer companies in Ukraine have joined these units. So now they are implementing modern recruiting methods, using all available tools for voluntary recruitment into the military. That is why the TDF’s recruiting system has been repeatedly distinguished among the best by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Why do Ukrainians choose to serve in the Territorial Defense Forces? First, they choose from among brigades based on geographical proximity, choosing the regions in which they live. Second, this provides the opportunity to serve side by side with their brothers, colleagues, neighbors or friends.

But there are exceptions, indeed. For example, a young man from Kherson city joined the Lviv Metropolitan Andriy Sheptytsky 103rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade. By the way, he chose the “Contract 18-24” program, which is available as well to TDF combat units. Such cases are an example of courage for all of us to follow.

- How has the training system for Territorial Defense Forces personnel changed over the past year? Has it been possible to adapt the training to battlefront realities?

- The enemy throws difficult challenges at our soldiers on a daily basis, but we manage to respond accordingly. We have seen lots of important changes taking place in our training system over the past year. In particular, this is the adaptation of basic combined arms training to the needs of the battlefield, including particularly an extended training period to improve the quality of drone defense training.

Besides, the use of ground robotic platforms as well as air defense drones to protect the airspace from the latest methods of attack is being improved and updated.

FROM SOLDIER TO COMMANDER: LEADERSHIP SCHOOL AND “CAPTAIN’S TRAINING SCHOOL”

- Do you experience a personnel shortage in the TDF, in particular a shortage of commanders, instructors, specialists?

- Unfortunately, yes. The creation of new UAV, EW or electronic reconnaissance, air defense and similar units requires specialists. And military units that are conducting combat operations or are on rotations constantly need people to staff combat units. So the personnel shortage, especially the need for specialists, is always there for objective reasons.

However, we constantly select the best and most experienced soldiers and sergeants in the TD Forces to improve their skills. We send them for training, in order to then appoint them to primary command positions - from squad commander to company commander.

Work is constantly being carried out to certify sergeants for the primary officer rank of junior lieutenant. Thanks to this, we have a sufficient number of experienced commanders. And this also allows us to maintain the proper level of staffing of command positions. So, 90 percent of positions of company commanders and over 80 percent of positions of platoon commanders are filled at the moment. And they are all experienced soldiers and competent commanders.

As for the instructor and teaching staff of training units, we manage to ensure the relevant staffing level is no lower than 80% by recruiting servicemen who have significant combat experience and have been declared by military medical authorities as fit with limitations for military service due to war injuries or exacerbation of diseases during military service in extremely difficult conditions.

- Is it safe to say that the TDF have evolved into a school for a new generation of commanders and sergeants?

- Absolutely yes! It so happened that in February 2022, the TDF ranks were replenished with people, many of whom had no previous military service experience at all. They had to learn right away. Military training most often took place while already on the battlefield, and later it was established in educational institutions and newly formed training centers.

One of the most important areas of training our soldiers is the training of commanding officers from platoon commander and all ranks above that. Because it is they who directly manage the combat operations of units. Given that many officers in positions of platoon and company commanders were called up for military service through mobilization, and there were more of them than we could train, we needed additional training for officers.

Thus, in 2023, we launched the “Captains’ Training” course for TDF officers. Since then, almost 500 servicemen have successfully completed this training. During this course, students receive the necessary knowledge and skills and master all the disciplines necessary for every commander.

Last year, this course was included in the Catalog of Professional Military Education Courses. This allows students to receive state-level certificates upon completion of the training course.

Our soldiers also constantly undergo advanced training courses available for military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in addition to professional military education courses, and participate in military exercises outside of Ukraine.

We constantly conduct boot camps for servicemen who have been selected for command and staff positions at the level of battalion commanders, deputy brigade commanders, chiefs of brigade headquarters and brigade commanders.

Today, many commanders and sergeants are soldiers with extensive combat experience gained in the hottest sectors of the frontline. This experience is relayed through training centers, combat brigades. The TDF are part of the Ukrainian history that is being created today. So we have something to tell and something to teach. As an example, I will give the story of the servicewoman Olha Bihar with the call sign "Witch". At the very inception of the full-scale invasion, she volunteered for the TDF ranks, for service as part of 241st Separate Brigade as an ordinary shooter. In 2023, she mastered mortar shooting, led a platoon, and participated in heavy battles near Bakhmut. Now Captain Bihar leads the brigade's fire support unit, performing the most complex operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector with high level of professionalism. Therefore, I think Witch is an example of role model to be followed by many representatives of the so-called "stronger sex" (laughs).

THE POWER OF UNION: HOW THE TDF BRINGS THE SOCIETY TOGETHER

- What do the TDF do for the families of missing and captured TDF soldiers? What part do the TDF take in the process of returning their fighters home - with a shield or on a shield?

- Our units engaged in civil-military cooperation constantly support the families of defenders, help with the processing of payments and benefits, establish ties with government and international organizations. On top of that, they contribute to the rehabilitation and social protection of family members of missing and captured soldiers within the limits of their competence.

As for the return of our soldiers home, I would like to note that the search and return of the bodies of deceased servicemen is carried out by special units within humanitarian initiatives. Such operations involve a complex coordination between the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence (HUR) and international partners. The Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also participate in the return of their servicemen at all stages, and this is a large-scale work: from documenting facts and conducting official investigations to coordinating and interacting with authorized bodies.

- How, in your opinion, do the TDF facilitate the unity of society amid war?

- Territorial defense unites people of different ages, professions and regions around a common goal - protecting their land. Participation in territorial defense strengthens the sense of responsibility and involvement of every citizen in the defense of their country. Thanks to Territorial Defense Forces, trust is formed between the military and civilians, patriotism and mutual support are strengthened, which is especially important in wartime. This is not only a military, but also a social phenomenon that makes society more cohesive.

- How do you see the TDF in five years? Will it be a mix of mobile combat brigades, a reserve army, or something new?

- I think that in five years, after the Victory, the TDF will be transformed into a mixed model: combat brigades capable of independent action in their regions, and a strategic reserve integrated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Most likely, these will be mobile brigades trained and equipped based on location in peacetime, while maintaining a significant role in society and coordination with communities. They will combine combat readiness with a reserve function.

They will have their own high-tech units (drones, cyber, electronic warfare), but will also retain a key role in territorial defense and interaction with the population. They will play a significant role in society, maintain contact with communities, and at the same time perform the functions of a reserve and full-fledged combat formations.

- Should we expect the experience gained by the Territorial Defense Forces to be embadded in Ukraine’s new military doctrine?

- Absolutely yes! The experience gained by the Territorial Defense Forces is already influencing the new military doctrine: from rallying citizens in the first days of the great war to conducting combat as part of brigades other than TDF. This experience has proven the effectiveness of the concept of "comprehensive defense" and of the partnership between the military and civil society. It would be advisable to get this embedded in the new military doctrine as a unique Ukrainian model - a combination of a regular army, technological reserves and a broad defense capability of communities, a partnership between the military and society.

- What would you like every Ukrainian to understand about the Territorial Defense Forces today?

- Every Ukrainian should realize: The Territorial Defense Forces are not only about weapons and uniforms. They are about the readiness of citizens to defend their country, their families and values. The Territorial Defense Forces are comprised of people from our surrounding, our neighbors, friends, colleagues who are poised to act at a critical moment. Today it is important to support and respect those who serve in the Territorial Defense Forces, to understand their role in the national security system as a whole and, if necessary, to be ready to join the defense of our land!

Serhiy Cherevaty led this conversation

Photo: Roman Malko