118th Separate Mechanized Brigade

The 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade (118 OMBr) is a mechanized troops unit of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, formed on February 15, 2023. The brigade is part of the 10th Army Corps and carries out mechanized infantry missions. The brigade's motto is "We'll do it," reflecting the determination and fighting spirit of its personnel.

The 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade was formed in 2023 as part of the large-scale expansion of Ukraine's Defense Forces in response to the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion. The formation of new units became necessary to strengthen the country's defense capability and prepare for active combat operations in key sectors of the front. 118 OMBr became part of the 10th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

From the first months after its formation, the brigade's personnel began active training — unit coordination, combat training, and adaptation to the latest models of equipment and weapons, including Western-made ones. Thanks to diligence, motivation, and support from local communities, the brigade quickly became a combat-capable unit, ready to carry out difficult missions at the front.

One of the first major operations the brigade took part in was the summer 2023 counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Particularly heavy fighting took place near the village of Robotyne, which became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and courage. Units of the 118th OMBr operated under extremely difficult conditions — dense minefields, constant artillery shelling, and complex logistics. Despite losses, the brigade retained its combat capability and continued to carry out its missions, showing endurance, determination, and professionalism.

After this, the brigade took part in offensive operations in the Melitopol direction, including as part of forces that gradually broke through Russian defenses in the southern districts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally commended the 118th OMBr among units demonstrating effectiveness, coordination, and determination in advancing toward strategically important objectives in the south.

Thus, within the first year of its existence, the 118th Brigade established itself as a strong, disciplined, and reliable combat unit. Its participation in difficult operations confirmed its high fighting spirit and readiness to defend Ukraine under any conditions.

Headquarters and headquarters company;
1st Mechanized Battalion;
2nd Mechanized Battalion;
3rd Mechanized Battalion;
5th Rifle Battalion;
tank battalion;
artillery group;
air defense battalion;
reconnaissance company;
engineer battalion;
logistics battalion;
repair battalion;
signal company;
radar reconnaissance company;
medical company;
NBC protection company.

The brigade is equipped with modern equipment, including:
M109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers;
APR-40 multiple rocket launchers;
UAVs for reconnaissance and strike operations;
The brigade actively develops new technologies in unmanned systems, including testing new quadcopters for engaging the enemy.

The brigade's motto: "We'll do it" — reflects the determination and fighting spirit of its personnel.

Honoring the fallen: The brigade actively preserves the memory of fallen soldiers, organizing ceremonies and presenting state awards to their families. For example, Junior Sergeant Vitalii Filippov, who was killed on August 31, 2023, near the village of Robotyne, was posthumously awarded the Order "For Courage" 3rd class.

Community cooperation: The 118th OMBr maintains close ties with local communities, including in Poltava Oblast, where a significant part of its personnel come from.

Symbolism: The brigade's sleeve patch depicts a blue heraldic shield with a yellow cross, symbolizing faith, strength, and determination.