117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade

The 117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade is a brigade of honor, strength, and unwavering determination. But above all, it is a brigade of people who preserve their humanity even in the hardest times of war. It was formed in 2018 in Sumy region as a cadre formation of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine and became part of the Regional Command “North.” This is where the journey of a unit began — one that would later become a reliable shield for its region and for the entire country.

The brigade’s first steps took place during the large-scale military exercise “Cossack Will–2018.” Together with reservists, its fighting spirit was forged and a true military family was formed. It was then that one of the brigade’s core values was established — supporting comrades and taking responsibility for one another. In the years that followed, the brigade’s soldiers trained in preparation for the greatest challenge of all — defending their homeland.

On February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, the soldiers of the 117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade immediately stood up to defend Sumy region. Shoulder to shoulder, they met the enemy on the first line of defense as part of the Operational Tactical Group “Sumy.” During the first and most difficult days of the war, they not only held the line — they also helped civilians.

After the liberation of the region, the brigade’s units moved to the hottest sectors of the front. Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions became the next battlegrounds where the soldiers of the 117th Territorial Defense Brigade continued the fight. Bakhmut, Lyman, Torske, Zarichne, Krasnohorivka, and the Kupiansk direction — these battles forged their courage. Yet even in the harshest conditions, they never forgot what they were fighting for: life, people, and the future of Ukraine.

Other units of the brigade continued to secure the state border, preventing the enemy from setting foot on Ukrainian soil again.

• For its courage and devotion to the nation, the brigade received high recognition. In 2022, the President of Ukraine presented it with the Battle Flag — a symbol of honor, glory, and military brotherhood. In 2024, the brigade was awarded the Battle Flag Ribbon “For Participation in the Defense of Ukraine.”
• For its courage and devotion to the nation, the brigade received high recognition. In 2022, the President of Ukraine presented it with the Battle Flag — a symbol of honor, glory, and military brotherhood. In 2024, the brigade was awarded the Battle Flag Ribbon “For Participation in the Defense of Ukraine.”

Stand beside them. Join those who defend Ukraine without losing their humanity.

Because true strength is not only in weapons. True strength is in people. 🇺🇦

According to confirmed data, during the brigade’s participation in combat operations, as of December 11, 2025, its units have destroyed or damaged:

• Tanks – 37
• IFVs/APCs – 113
• MT-LBs – 19
• Motor vehicles – 483
• Artillery systems – 18
• Mortars of various calibers – 141
• Enemy personnel killed and wounded – 8,420

Captured enemy equipment:

• T-72 tanks – 9
• BMP-2 IFVs – 4
• T-80 tanks – 4
• T-90 tanks – 2
• BTR-80 APCs – 4
• UR-77 mine-clearing vehicle – 1
• 2S3 self-propelled howitzers – 3
• 2S19 self-propelled howitzers – 7
• Ural-4320 trucks – 6
• Enemy personnel captured – 152

Since the beginning of the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation to the present day, servicemen of the 117th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and its subordinate units have received the following state and departmental awards:

• State awards – 196
• Awards of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine – 521
• Awards of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – 157
• Awards of the Territorial Defense Forces Command – 11