53rd Mechanized Brigade | |
---|---|
Active | 2014–present |
Country | Ukraine |
Branch | Ukrainian Ground Forces |
Type | Mechanized forces |
Part of | Operational Command East |
Motto(s) | "Maintain thy arms" |
Engagements | War in Donbas |
Insignia | |
Former sleeve patch |
The 53rd Mechanized Brigade named after Volodymyr Monomakh is a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, subordinated to Operational Command East.
In 2014, the brigade was formed in the village of Nova Lyubomyrka in Rivne Oblast.[2] The brigade includes units formed from territorial defense battalions. The brigade also includes units derived from elements of the 17th Guards Tank Brigade and the 24th Mechanized Brigade. The brigade includes three mechanized battalions, a tank battalion, artillery, two battalion tactical groups, air defense, intelligence company. The brigade's 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is the former 14th Cherkasy Territorial Defense Battalion of the 24th Mechanized Brigade. The brigade's 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is also a battalion formerly of the 24th Mechanized Brigade.
In February 2015, the brigade fought in the war in Donbas.[3] On 25 May 2015, the brigade repulsed a separatist attack.[4] In September, the brigade was deployed in Avdiivka.[5]
On July 23, 2016, Ukrainian Minister of Defence Stepan Poltorak announced the Deputy Commander of the brigade has been demoted and dismissed for selling arms and ammunition.[6][7]
From April to October 2017, the brigade units held positions on the Svitlodar Arc. At the beginning of November 2017, the units of the brigades were withdrawn from the ATO area to rest and restoration of combat capacity to landfill in the village of Cherkasy Dnipropetrovsk region.[8]
In 2019, units of the brigade were deployed near Horlivka.[9]
On October 29, 2019, the brigade units left the war zone for rotation. During this time, the brigade had lost 7 soldiers in combat.[9]
On May 6, 2020, the President of Ukraine gave the brigade an honorary name in honor of Volodymyr Monomakh.[10]
In late October – early November 2023 the brigade was deployed in the southern sector of Avdiivka.[11]
As of 2024, the brigade's structure is as follows: