116th Separate Mechanized Brigade

The 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade (116 OMBr) is a unit of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,

formed on January 30, 2023.

The brigade is part of the 10th Army Corps and carries out mechanized infantry missions.

The brigade's motto is "Vivere est vincere" (Latin, "To live is to conquer").

The brigade was created in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Since its formation, the 116th OMBr has taken part in a number of important combat operations:

the counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia direction (2023), including the battles near Huliaipole, Robotyne, and Polohy;

the battles for Avdiivka in late 2023;

defensive operations in the Marinka direction (November 2023);

the battles in Vovchansk (June 2024), where the brigade's units destroyed an elite enemy airborne brigade;

operations near Pokrovsk (December 2024).

The brigade was visited by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during its participation in combat operations near Robotyne in August 2023.

Headquarters and headquarters company;
1st Mechanized Battalion;
2nd Mechanized Battalion;
3rd Assault Battalion;
"Zakhar" Tank Battalion;
Field Artillery Regiment, which includes:
1st Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion (2S1 "Gvozdika");
2nd Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion (AS-90);
rocket artillery unit;
"Khorne Group" strike UAV unit;
"Falcon Group" aerial reconnaissance unit;
anti-tank unit;
air defense battalion;
reconnaissance company;
engineer battalion;
logistics battalion;
repair battalion;
signal company;
radar reconnaissance company;
medical company;
NBC protection company.

AS-90 self-propelled howitzers, supplied by the United Kingdom;
2S1 "Gvozdika" — Soviet-era 122mm self-propelled howitzers;
tanks;
UAVs for reconnaissance and strike operations;
anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons.

The traditions and symbolism of the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

are an important part of the fighting spirit and identity of a unit formed during the great war.

The brigade's motto is the Latin phrase "Vivere est vincere,"

which translates as "To live is to conquer."

This is more than a motto — it is a life philosophy for every soldier of the brigade.

These words express a striving for victory, an unbreakable will,

resilience against the enemy, and a deep awareness of the value of the life

that Ukrainian soldiers are defending.

A special place in the brigade's traditions is occupied by honoring fallen comrades.

It is customary in the unit to hold memorial ceremonies, moments of silence,

and meetings with the families of the fallen.

State awards given posthumously to soldiers

are solemnly presented to their families.

Honoring the fallen is not a formality

but a living tradition of preserving memory, gratitude, and dignity,

which the soldiers carry with special respect.

The 116th Brigade is closely connected to Poltava Oblast,

where a significant part of its personnel come from.

This is where not only the unit's core was formed, but also its rear support.

Communities, volunteer organizations, and caring residents actively help the brigade —

with supplies, equipment, medical treatment, and moral support.

In turn, the soldiers maintain ties with their fellow countrymen,

meet with young people, take part in patriotic events,

and speak at schools and educational institutions.

The brigade's symbolism also carries deep meaning.

The sleeve patch of the 116th OMBr is a blue heraldic shield with a gold cross.

Blue symbolizes peace, loyalty, strength of spirit, and determination.

The gold cross is a sign of courage, sacrifice, and bravery,

with which the soldiers stand in defense of the state.

This symbol is not only a military insignia but also a spiritual guide

for everyone who wears it on their shoulder.

All of this — the motto, the memory, the connection with the community, the symbolism —

forms a single living tradition that shapes the brigade's character.

This is the spirit of the 116th — stubborn, united, unbreakable.