158th Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)
| 158th Separate Infantry Brigade | |
|---|---|
| 158 окрема піхотна бригада 158 okrema pіhotna bryhada | |
 Shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active | 2024 - present |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch |  Ukrainian Ground Forces |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
| Insignia | |
| Subdued insignia |  |
The 158th Separate Mechanized Brigade (Ukrainian: 158 окрема піхотна бригада, romanized: 158 okrema pihotna bryhada) is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in 2024.[1] The brigade was part of the creation and expansion of nine other brigades in the Ukrainian Ground Forces, announced by then Ground Forces' commander Oleksandr Pavliuk, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[1]
History
[edit]Formation
[edit]The brigade was formed after a Ukrainian mobilization law came into force, seeing the draft age being lowered from 27 to 25 and placing penalties for those avoiding conscription.[2][1] This law also saw prisoners being able to join the armed forces.[2]
In an interview with The Economist published in an article on 10 May 2024, Oleksandr Pavliuk, then commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, stated that Ukraine planned to create 10 new brigades in anticipation of a Russian offensive, and that some of them could be stationed in Kyiv to defend the city.[1][3] Later in the month, Forbes reported that these 10 new brigades would consist of 2,000 people and some of them would be infantry rather than mechanized brigades.[4]
On 16 July 2024, the Chernihiv Regional State Administration publicized a video calling for individuals to join the brigade. It was noted that drivers, doctors, cooks, and other roles were needed.[5]
Russo-Ukrainian War
[edit]Russian invasion of Ukraine
[edit]The 158th Infantry Brigade is expected to play a significant role since its formation, most probably expected to repel a potential Russian offensive in 2024, or in the near future.
Structure
[edit]As of August 2024, the brigade's structure is as follows:
- 158th Separate Mechanized Brigade
- Brigade's Headquarters
- 1st Infantry Battalion
- 2nd Infantry Battalion
- 3rd Infantry Battalion
- Reconnaissance Company
- Anti-Tank Company
- Anti-Aircraft Defense Company
- Engineer Company
- Maintenance Company
- Medical Company
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Ukraine to create 10 new brigades to prepare for new Russian offensive". Ukrainska Pravda. 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ a b Kullab, Samya; Kozlowska, Joanna (2024-05-18). "Ukraine's divisive mobilization law comes into force as a new Russian push strains front-line troops". AP News. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Ukraine will hold if it gets the arms it needs, says a top general". The Economist. 2024-05-10. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Axe, David (2024-05-21). "Ukraine Is Mobilizing Tens Of Thousands Of New Troops. They Need A Lot More Armored Vehicles". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ "🇺🇦 158 окрема піхотна бригада запрошує приєднатися до своїх лав! Потрібні водії, медики, кухарі та інші спеціальності. Звертайтеся за номером: 096 771 76 77". By Чернігівська ОДАFacebook. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
