The 118th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces
The 118th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine (Ukrainian: 118-та окрема бригада територіальної оборони) is a vital military unit located in Cherkasy Oblast. It operates under the jurisdiction of Operational Command North.
History
Formation
Established on 7 November 2018, the brigade was created in Cherkasy Oblast over a duration of approximately 3-4 months, building upon an existing battalion from Cherkasy. Colonel Anatolii Stuzhenko was appointed as its commander, with a vision for the brigade to consist of roughly 4,000 older reservists aged between 40 and 60 years. The formation encompassed six battalions situated in Smila, Zolotonosha, Uman, Zhashkiv, Zvenyhorodka, and Cherkasy.
From 5–11 August 2019, the brigade successfully conducted a large-scale exercise that engaged all six battalions and included training in tactical medicine, engineering, topography, communications, and target practice.
By 2 February 2022, Colonel Stuzhenko reported that the brigade was 70% formed.
Russo-Ukrainian War
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
During the initial week of March 2022, two battalions were fully staffed with reservists. In April, one brigade unit participated in the Battle of Popasna, contributing to the defense of the city for a period of 14 days. The brigade was honored with its battle flag on 14 October 2022.
The 157th Territorial Defense Battalion from Zolotonosha operated within Cherkasy Oblast and later reinforced the neighboring Poltava Oblast. This unit also played a role in the Battle of Bakhmut, and in February 2023, it fought in the Battle of Vuhledar.
In January 2023, various units of the brigade engaged in the Battle of Vuhledar.
Structure
As of 2022, the brigade’s structure includes:
- Headquarters
- 156th Territorial Defense Battalion (Cherkasy) MUN А7322
- 157th Territorial Defense Battalion (Zolotonosha) MUN А7323
- 158th Territorial Defense Battalion (Smila) MUN А7324
- 159th Territorial Defense Battalion (Zvenyhorodka) MUN А7325
- 160th Territorial Defense Battalion (Uman) MUN А7326
- 161st Territorial Defense Battalion (Zhashkiv) MUN А7327
- 254th Territorial Defense Battalion MUN А4756
- Counter-Sabotage Company
- Engineering Company
- Communication Company
- Logistics Company
- Anti-Aircraft Platoon
Commanders
Colonel Anatolii Stuzhenko: 2018–present
See Also
- Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine