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54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa

The 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa is one of the most experienced combat units of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which has actively defended Ukraine's territorial integrity since 2014. Its soldiers have been through the hottest sections of the front, becoming a symbol of unbreakability, brotherhood, and high combat skill.

History of creation
The brigade was created in 2014 on the basis of AFU units that returned from Crimea, as well as newly formed units. In response to the start of russia's armed aggression in Donbas, the brigade was promptly reinforced with volunteers and mobilized reservists.
In 2017, the unit was given the honorary name of Hetman Ivan Mazepa — an outstanding statesman and symbol of Ukraine's fight for independence.

Combat path
From its very first days, the brigade defended Ukrainian positions in Donbas. The main combat operations of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade took place in the following directions:

Svitlodarsk bulge

Zaitseve – Maiorsk

Bakhmut direction

Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk

Kreminna – Svatove

During the full-scale invasion of 2022, the brigade was among the first to engage the enemy, defending the eastern frontier. Fighters of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade effectively use both Ukrainian and Western weaponry, including artillery, UAVs, anti-tank systems, and modern communication systems.

Awards and honors
The brigade holds the honorary title “named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa,” as well as state awards for combat merit. Its servicemen have repeatedly received orders, medals, and the title Hero of Ukraine.

The brigade's philosophy
The goal of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade is not only defense but also counteroffensive action, liberation of Ukrainian land, and preserving the lives of fellow soldiers. Its motto — “Might in action, glory in loyalty” — precisely captures the spirit of its fighters.
Today the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade is a well-coordinated combat mechanism combining professionalism, honor, and dedication to Ukraine.

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47th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Magura”

The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade “Magura” is an elite formation of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, formed in 2022 to strengthen the offensive potential of the Ukrainian army. Its soldiers have become the embodiment of a new generation of the military — well trained, equipped with modern hardware, and full of motivation.

History of creation
The brigade was formed in the spring of 2022 in response to russia's full-scale invasion. The brigade's core was made up of volunteers, veterans, servicemen with combat experience, and recruits trained to NATO standards. Its formation and training were closely coordinated with instructors from partner countries.

Combat path
From its very first days, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade received one of the most demanding tasks — participation in counteroffensive operations. The brigade took part in battles:

in the Zaporizhzhia direction

near Robotyne and Verbove

in liberation operations near Orikhiv

The brigade's units effectively used armored vehicles and Western weaponry, including American Bradley IFVs, which became a symbol of its mobility and firepower.

Equipment and training
The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade is one of the most technically equipped brigades in the AFU:

Western armored vehicles (M2 Bradley, Leopard 2, M113)

Anti-tank weapons (Javelin, NLAW)

High-precision artillery

UAVs and reconnaissance systems

Soldiers undergo intensive training, including at training centers in Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Mission
The mission of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade is not just to defend, but to liberate Ukrainian land. Its motto — "Might in Action" — isn't just a phrase: it's a way of life for every soldier in the brigade.

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3rd Separate Tank “Iron” Brigade: Ukraine's armored shield

The 3rd Separate Tank Brigade, known as “Iron,” is one of the most powerful armored units of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The brigade has become a symbol of unbreakability, determination, and combat valor of the Ukrainian army in the war for independence.

Basing and subordination
The brigade is based in the village of Yarmolyntsi, Khmelnytskyi region. Organizationally, it is part of the 11th Army Corps of the Ground Forces of the AFU.

Combat path
With the start of russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade was quickly mobilized and deployed to the hottest points of the front. The brigade's units distinguished themselves in battles:

for Kyiv — in the spring of 2022

in the Izium direction

in the Kharkiv offensive operation

near Sloviansk

in battles in the Zaporizhzhia direction

The brigade actively took part in counteroffensive actions, demonstrating high effectiveness and endurance.

Honorary title and awards
The 3rd Separate Tank Brigade received the honorary title "Iron," emphasizing its steadfastness and strength in fighting the enemy. Its soldiers have repeatedly been recognized with state awards for heroism and courage. A symbol of unbreakability
Today the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade is more than just a military unit. It is a legend of modern Ukraine, proving every day that strength of spirit, loyalty to the oath, and brotherhood matter more than armor.

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53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh

The 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh is a combat formation of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, formed in the fall of 2014 during the active phase of the war in Donbas. The brigade is subordinate to the “East” Operational Command and is one of the key defense forces on the eastern front.

Formation history

The brigade was created in October 2014 amid the active phase of the war in Donbas. It included motorized infantry battalions and former territorial defense battalions. In May 2020, the brigade received the honorary title “named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh,” emphasizing its lineage from princely retinues and the historical military traditions of Kyivan Rus.

Combat path

Since its creation, the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade has actively taken part in combat operations in eastern Ukraine. In particular, from April to October 2017, the brigade's units held positions on the Svitlodarsk bulge. In 2019, the brigade operated in the Horlivka area, and from autumn 2023 to February 2024 — in the defense of Avdiivka.

Present day

Today the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade continues to carry out combat missions in eastern Ukraine, maintaining high combat readiness and morale. The brigade is known for its professionalism, coordination, and dedication to defending Ukraine.

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FRONT AND REAR / STRIKE COMPANY “PEGASUS”

FRONT AND REAR / STRIKE COMPANY “PEGASUS”

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the AFU proudly presents the first episode of the informational and motivational project “Front and Rear”!

In this new format, viewers will see the hosts travel to units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to witness firsthand the life of defenders and share it with a wide audience.

Dmytro Sova and Daria Legeida visited the legendary Strike Unmanned Systems Company “Pegasus” of the 1st Separate Tank Siversk Brigade — a unit famous for its courage, combat achievements, and a large number of destroyed enemy vehicles.

Each episode tells a real story from the front: combat routine, the unit's atmosphere, the personalities of our servicemen, and their contribution to victory. Which host will stay in the rear this time, and who will get closer to the combat work? Watch to find out!

The “Front and Rear” project was created to promote contract service and inform about available positions, brigades, and new opportunities.

The 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces – together toward victory!

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List of positions under the “18-24 Contract” project expanded

The Ministry of Defense is expanding opportunities for citizens who want to join the "18-24 Contract" project. To effectively attract volunteers into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the list of positions available to volunteers has been significantly increased — from 9 to 18. This gives everyone the chance to master a new military specialty, gain the necessary knowledge and practical skills during professional training, and later find their place in a unit where their efforts will be of greatest benefit to the common cause.

New available positions include:

senior crew rifleman

machine gunner

reconnaissance machine gunner

senior gunner/spotter

reconnaissance spotter

reconnaissance crew number

reconnaissance radio-telephone operator

reconnaissance operator

senior reconnaissance sniper rifleman

They complement the list of positions that appeared earlier:

rifleman

senior rifleman

sniper rifleman

combat medic rifleman

assistant grenade launcher operator

grenade launcher operator

senior grenade launcher operator

scout

senior scout

This way, everyone who wants to serve will be able to find their place in the military and effectively contribute to the fight for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.

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20th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “K-2”

About the unit

The “K-2” unit began its combat path as a reconnaissance company within the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade. From the very first days of the full-scale invasion, “K-2” became one of the key elements of reconnaissance and combat control on the front line.

The uniqueness of “K-2” lies in its high level of autonomy, coordination, and use of modern technology. The unit's fighters actively use drones, film strike footage, and coordinate fire on the enemy. They don't just spot the target — they help destroy it.

Thanks to its reputation and effectiveness, “K-2” is a model of a modern reconnaissance unit that effectively combines technical capability with combat experience.

In February 2025, the commanders of “K-2,” “Achilles,” “Phoenix,” “Madyar's Birds,” and “Rarog” announced the creation of a joint initiative — the “Drone Line” project. This coalition of units became the impetus for a new era of unmanned warfare in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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427th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Rarog”

About the unit

“Rarog” began its combat history in April 2023 as a company within the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo. From its very first days, the unit became a reliable support for infantry, as drones became the eyes of soldiers on the front line. At the initial stage, resources were limited: ammunition had to be conserved, flights were limited to a range of up to 7 km, and reconnaissance was often carried out manually — via FPV drones. Despite this, “Rarog” steadily built up its combat capabilities. The company later grew into a full battalion, showing impressive results on the battlefield: destroyed tanks, IFVs, self-propelled guns, air defense systems, enemy equipment, and occupier personnel.

Today “Rarog” conducts deep aerial reconnaissance in the enemy's rear at a distance of up to 40 km, destroying strategically important targets and keeping the enemy under constant watch. Ukraine became the first country in the world to create separate strike unmanned systems units — and “Rarog” proudly stands among the first!

In February 2025, the commanders of the legendary units — “K-2,” “Achilles,” the border guard “Phoenix,” “Madyar's Birds,” and “Rarog” — united to launch the large-scale “Drone Line” initiative. Within this alliance, the “Rarog” battalion was officially reformatted into a Unmanned Systems Regiment — a new stage in the unit's history, which has already become a symbol of the Ukrainian army's technological edge.

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429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “ACHILLES”

ABOUT THE UNIT
The 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “ACHILLES” is a volunteer formation created in the first days of the full-scale invasion. Its main mission is conducting aerial reconnaissance and delivering precision strikes on enemy forces and equipment using unmanned aerial vehicles. The regiment is commanded by volunteer and ATO veteran Yuriy Fedorenko. The unit was founded by volunteers who, on February 24, 2022, organized a rifle company of the 128th battalion of the 112th territorial defense brigade. Already during combat operations in the Kharkiv direction, this company began actively using UAVs for reconnaissance and artillery fire correction. During the Kharkiv counteroffensive, the unit operated as part of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade, to which it was temporarily attached.
On January 26, 2023, the company received a new status, becoming one of the first strike unmanned aerial systems companies within the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade under the name “ACHILLES.” Thanks to its high efficiency — over 19,800 legitimate targets destroyed and damaged in 2023-2024 — the unit was expanded: on January 31, 2024, the company was increased to a battalion.
Given its outstanding results, in January 2025 the battalion was scaled up to the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “ACHILLES” within the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Today it is one of the most effective UAV units, not only performing critically important tasks on the front but also setting new standards for technological warfare.

VALUES OF THE “ACHILLES” REGIMENT

We know how to fight and preserve the lives of our personnel.

We don't coddle people — we demand a lot while training them, taking care of their safety. Personnel must be protected, not coddled.

We don't promise what can't be delivered.

We build healthy relationships within the team and provide comprehensive support.

In “ACHILLES” everyone can develop their strongest sides and grow their career.

Our main weapon is drones.

We conduct after-action reviews to identify and fix shortcomings.

In a confrontation with a strong enemy, the one with unconventional solutions wins.

Choosing between the easy way and the right way, we choose to fight.

Our goal is to be first on the battlefield and in technological development. Our Training Center teaches you to fight, not to die. Learn to destroy the enemy from a distance. Only this way can we change the course of the war.

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414th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Strike Aviation Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine “Madyar's Birds”

About the unit

In June 2022, during combat operations in the Kherson direction, the commander of a rifle platoon of the 2nd assault company of the 206th territorial defense battalion, Robert Brovdi, better known by his call sign “Madyar,” founded a separate aerial reconnaissance unit called “Madyar's Birds.” This marked the beginning of the history of a unique technological formation within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which to this day delivers devastating strikes on the enemy and instills fear from above.

Fighters of the “Madyar's Birds” unit carry out a wide range of combat tasks every day that are crucial on the battlefield:

Continuous aerial reconnaissance that allows 24/7 tracking of enemy equipment and manpower movements, as well as detecting concentration points;

precise correction of fire strikes, including artillery and other weapons, significantly increasing their effectiveness;

support for assault operations — from escorting vehicles to covering units in active combat zones;

organizing and monitoring the operation of electronic warfare (EW) and electronic reconnaissance (SIGINT) systems around the clock.

These tasks are performed in a coordinated, precise manner using advanced technology — which is exactly what makes the “Madyar's Birds” unit one of the most effective in modern warfare.

An important part of the “Madyar's Birds” unit's activity is supporting other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including tasks not always directly related to aerial strike work:

ordering, logistics, and distribution of boats with motors for marines;

ordering, logistics, and transparent distribution of F7 FPV drones among other units;

ordering, logistics, and transparent distribution of other types of drones and components to units that need them;

testing and promoting successful new equipment samples for various purposes with the goal of improving and/or assessing the feasibility of use by aerial strike units;

training personnel of other units in the use of electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare equipment.

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