128th Separate Mountain Assault "Zakarpatska" Brigade

The 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade named after the Landowners of Transcarpathia is one of the most well-known and battle-hardened formations of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The brigade is based in the city of Mukachevo (Zakarpattia Oblast) and specializes in conducting combat operations in mountainous and difficult terrain. The unit is known for the endurance, mobility, high level of training, and patriotism of its personnel. 128 OHShBr carries out missions of defense, offense, assaulting fortified enemy positions, and reconnaissance in mountainous conditions.

The brigade's history dates back to the Soviet era, but in independent Ukraine the 128th was reorganized and given new missions. Since 2014, the brigade has actively taken part in the Anti-Terrorist Operation in Donbas. The unit distinguished itself in the battles for Debaltseve, Stanytsia Luhanska, Popasna, and other hotspots in eastern Ukraine. The brigade demonstrated high combat readiness, coordination, and fighting spirit, for which it was repeatedly decorated. Since 2022, amid Russia's full-scale invasion, the 128th has taken part in the most difficult sectors of the front, including in the Zaporizhzhia, Donbas, and Kherson directions. The brigade's soldiers have destroyed a large amount of enemy equipment and personnel and helped liberate dozens of settlements. In 2023, the brigade received the honorary name in honor of the Landowners of Transcarpathia.

Brigade headquarters;
mountain assault battalions;
tank company;
artillery battalion;
reconnaissance unit;
engineer, medical, signal, and rear support companies;
air defense;
UAV and EW units.

IFVs, APCs, tanks (T-64BV, T-72);
2S1 "Gvozdika" and 2S3 "Akatsiya" self-propelled howitzers;
ATGMs, MANPADS, mortars;
small arms (from AK to FN SCAR);
modern reconnaissance and strike UAVs;
BM-21 "Grad" multiple rocket launchers and other artillery systems.

The 128th Brigade has deeply rooted military traditions. One of the key ones is respect for the historical heritage of Transcarpathia and the traditions of the Carpathian Sich Riflemen. Brigade Day is celebrated every year, accompanied by award ceremonies, honoring the fallen, and meetings with families. Recruits undergo a symbolic "initiation as mountain assault troops" after their first combat training in the Carpathians or at training grounds. The unit actively maintains brotherhood between generations — veterans share their experience with young soldiers. The brigade's battle flags are always solemnly carried at parades, oath-taking ceremonies, and other events. Soldiers of the 128th have a tradition of applying mountain symbols or the trident to their helmets or armor, emphasizing their identity. Personnel often take part in community initiatives in Transcarpathia, maintaining close ties with the local community.