On 6 December 1991, the army withdrew from the Strategic Missile Troops and became part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The dismantling of missile units began as barracks and other facilities were transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Then, the minister ordered [Mikhtyuk] to return to his headquarters in Vinnytsia immediately, and convene all of his subordinate commanders.

"[11] "Leonid Kuchma’s government directed the Minister of Defence in 1994-1996 to keep the SS-24 [note: Soviet designation RT-23 Molodets] missiles on alert.

In either 1993 or May 1996, Colonel-General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mikhtyuk was appointed Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine - Commander of the 43rd Missile Army, to head the Interdepartmental Working Group overseeing the deactivation and destruction of strategic offensive weapons, стратегических наступательных вооружений (SHO).

Although by 1997 the rocket division was much reduced, General Iliashov directed his planning staff to organize and carry out the work of decommissioning the SS-24 complexes.

"[14] On October 30, 2001, the last silo launcher (ШПУ) of the RT-23 Molodets intercontinental ballistic missile (according to U.S. Department of Defence classification - SS-24) in the 43rd Rocket Army was destroyed via an explosion.

[16] These cables linked the missiles to regimental, division, army, and strategic rocket force command posts.

The 43rd Rocket Army compiled annual statistics on cables recovered and metal scrap salvaged."

On August 20, 2002, after parting with the Battle Banner, the 43rd Rocket Army ceased to exist, and its commander, Colonel General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mikhtyuk, was dismissed from military service on the same day.