130 separate reconnaissance battalion

The 130th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (130th SRB) is a military intelligence unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and operates under the Ground Forces Command.

Formation History
The battalion was established on April 3, 2016. Since August 2018, it has been stationed on the grounds of a former correctional facility, which was transferred by the Ministry of Justice for the needs of the Armed Forces. This allowed the unit to accommodate up to 1,000 personnel along with equipment.

Key Combat Operations
The 130th SRB has been actively involved in combat operations in eastern Ukraine since its inception. In 2018, the battalion returned from the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, where its soldiers demonstrated courage and heroism, earning commendations from the General Staff and the Ground Forces Command. During russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the battalion continued to carry out reconnaissance and combat missions, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of the country.

Honors and Awards

• Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class: On April 5, 2022, Private Vadym Likhanov of the 130th SRB was awarded this honor for personal bravery and selfless actions in the defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Medal “For Loyalty to Intelligence,” 3rd Class: In 2019, battalion sniper Viktor Torkotyuk became the first private to receive this award from the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. In addition to his military service, he won a bronze medal at the World Muay Thai Championship in Bangkok.

Motto and Symbolism
The battalion’s motto is: “Nothing is impossible!” Its patches and flags depict a bat wielding a sword — a symbol of night reconnaissance and strength.