66th separate mechanized brigade

66th Separate Mechanized Brigade

Following the start of the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, the brigade was mobilized and incorporated into the combat structure of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

In July 2022, the brigade took part in repelling the Russian invasion in the Donetsk region. On December 12, 2022, the brigade was awarded a battle flag. The Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, personally presented the Battle Banner.

Key Battles:

• Summer 2022: Defense of Marinka, Novomykhailivka, and Krasnohorivka.
• Autumn 2022: Liberation of the city of Lyman and the villages of Shchurove, Nevske, and Makiivka.
• 2023–2025: Engagements along the Lyman axis, including repelling numerous enemy assaults.

Honors:

• On December 8, 2023, the brigade was awarded the honorary distinction "For Courage and Bravery."
• Senior Lieutenant Andrii Doktorenko was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine in 2023.
• Many servicemen of the brigade received state awards for courage and heroism.

By Presidential Decree No. 457/2023 dated July 28, 2023, the brigade was granted the honorary name of Prince Mstyslav the Brave, in honor of the Prince of Tmutarakan and Chernihiv. Henceforth, the unit is officially named the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Mstyslav the Brave of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.