112th Territorial Defense Brigade (Ukraine)

The 112th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces (Ukrainian: 112-та окрема бригада територіальної оборони) is a military formation of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv. It is part of Operational Command North.

112th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces
Ukrainian: 112-та окрема бригада територіальної оборони
ActiveSpring 2018 – present
Country Ukraine
BranchArmed Forces of Ukraine
TypeMilitary reserve force
RoleLight infantry
Part of Territorial Defense Forces
Garrison/HQ Kyiv
MUN А7040[1]

History

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Formation

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On 20 December 2017, a meeting between military commissariats of Kyiv city, Kyiv Oblast and Operational Command North took place. Its purpose was to train staff regarding procedures for formation and organization of the brigade.[2]

In Spring 2018 the brigade was formed in Kyiv. Lieutenant Colonel Bilosvit Mykola became its first commander. The brigade needed a core of regular soldiers and 4,000 reservists aged 40–55 year old.[3] By November only 4.5% of needed contracts were signed with 30% needed by the end of the year. By the end of 2019 all 100% of positions needed to be filled.[4] From 11 to 15 June a rifle company of the 127th Territorial Defense Battalion held training exercises for reservists in Desnianskyi District.[5][6] During 14–15 December 2018 a training exercise for officers of headquarters and battalions was held, where they planned defending Kyiv.[7] 6 larger districts of Kyiv had their own battalions, while the remaining 4 formed other units.[8]

During 14–19 April 2019 another larger scale training exercise for officers of headquarters and battalions was held, where they planned defending Kyiv. This exercise included more reserve officers.[9]

On 13 March 2021 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko with his deputies took part in a training exercise at the Desna training center.[10]

On 18 May 2021, only 300 reservists had signed contracts with the brigade. Over 3,000 were needed to fully staff the unit.[11] By October that number increased to 350 contract soldiers and close to 4,000 overall.[12] On 21 December another exercise took place and a number of 5,000 soldiers was announced. With a battalion being formed in every district.[13]

By 7 February 2022, the brigade had nine battalions and held a large exercise with all of them.[14]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

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When the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022, the brigade was fully filled with reservists who manned hundreds of roadblocks.[15] Just three days later, the brigade had filled all available vacancies in all its battalions; the abundance of volunteers prompted the decision to raise a new brigade in Kyiv.[16] On 14 April 2022, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi issued a decree that transformed the 241st Territorial Defense Battalion into the headquarters of the new 241st Brigade.[17] Battalions 130, 204, 205, 206, 207 were transferred to the 241st Kyiv City Defense Brigade.

The brigade was active in the battles of Kyiv, Hostomel, Brovary, Moshchun, Bucha, Irpin, the capture of Chernobyl, the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, the 2022 Kherson counteroffensive, and the battle of Bakhmut.[18]

The 206th Territorial Defense Battalion was raised for defense of Kyiv and was equipped and financed by former president Petro Poroshenko. Deputies and supporters of the European Solidarity party joined the battalion. During the first week of fighting the battalion took part in the defense of Obolonskyi District during the Battle of Kyiv. In following days fought in the Battle of Hostomel and evacuated women and children during the Battle of Irpin.[19]

The 207th Territorial Defense Battalion began forming in January and was completed by 27 February 2022. It was commanded by Yushko Viktor.[20]

On 2 April, a special security company was raised for protection of critical infrastructure. During a military oath ceremony, Vitali Klitschko noted that 7 members of Kyiv City Council joined the company.[21]

On 6 June, Mayor of Brovary Ihor Sapozhko announced that 250 soldiers took oath with the 55th special purpose battalion.[22]

The 128th Territorial Defense Battalion was deployed to Chuhuiv in May and remained there as of early August.[23]

The 244th Territorial Defense Battalion has been active since at least middle of July.[24]

On 29 August, the brigade received its battle flag.[18]

In October, the 11th Special Purpose Battalion was stationed near Pravdyne and later near Snihurivka. As of 03 April 2023 battalion was still in Kherson area.[25]

On 19 April 2023, the Come Back Alive foundation announced that brigade had received three pick-up trucks, radios, generators, Starlink terminals and other equipment for the "Long arms of TrO" project deigned to give 120 mm mortars to those units.[26]

Structure

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Battalion numbers of the Brigade. Numbers in Blue, transferred to newly formed 241st Territorial Defense Brigade

In May 2021 the brigade's structure was:[11]

In Early 2022 the brigade's structure was:

As of April 2022 the brigade's structure is as follows:

Commanders

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  • Lieutenant Colonel Mykola Bilosvit 2018- 2021
  • Major Serhii Husachenko December 2021 (acting)[29]
  • Colonel Oleksandr Pavlii 2022–present
 
Kyiv Regiment flag captured by Janusz Radziwiłł in 1651

Insignia

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Emblem shows a stylized bow with an arrow placed inside of golden circle, which was a part of Kyiv Regiment flag during the Cossack Hetmanate.[30]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Рішення Київської міської ради №5684/5724" [Decision of the Kyiv City Council №5684/5724]. Kyiv City Council (in Ukrainian). 24 November 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  2. ^ "У Києві відбулись заняття з порядку підготовки формування бригади територіальної оборони" [Classes were held in Kyiv on the procedure for training the formation of a territorial defense brigade]. pivnich.org.ua (in Ukrainian). 20 December 2017. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Служба за контрактом в резерві - важливий крок до NATO" [Contract service in the reserve is an important step towards NATO]. Ukrinform (in Ukrainian). 7 December 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  4. ^ Baturin, Oleksii; Korolov, Yevheniia (26 November 2018). "Держать порох сухим. Готова ли украинская территориальная оборона к отражению российской агрессии" [Keep the powder dry. Is Ukrainian territorial defense ready to repel Russian aggression?]. Focus (in Russian). Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Підготовка до великої війни: відбуваються навчання тероборони по всій Україні" [Preparation for a major war: ground defense exercises are taking place all over Ukraine]. mil.in.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  6. ^ "У підрозділі бригади територіальної оборони міста Києва розпочались навчальні збори" [Training sessions have started in the division of the Territorial Defense Brigade of the city of Kyiv]. ukrmilitary.com (in Ukrainian). 12 June 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  7. ^ Ohorodnyk, Serhii (17 December 2018). "Тероборона Києва: як офіцери 112-ї бригади навчалися планувати оборону столиці. РЕПОРТАЖ" [Teroborona Kyiv: how the officers of the 112th brigade learned to plan the defense of the capital. REPORTAGE]. novynarnia.com (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  8. ^ Ohorodnyk, Serhii (6 December 2018). "Тероборона Києва: легка піхота "не виходячи з дому"" [Teroborona of Kyiv: light infantry "without leaving home"]. kv.hromady.com.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Командування бригади ТрО плануватиме оборону Києва" [The command of the TrO brigade will plan the defense of Kyiv]. ukrmilitary.com (in Ukrainian). 14 April 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Віталій Кличко разом із своїми заступниками та главами столичних районів взяли участь у навчаннях з територіальної оборони ( фото, відео)" [Vitaliy Klitschko, together with his deputies and heads of capital districts, took part in exercises on territorial defense ( photo, video)]. Kyiv City Council (in Ukrainian). 13 March 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  11. ^ a b Zadubinnyi, Andriy (18 May 2021). "Як стати резервістом у Києві?" [How to become a reservist in Kyiv?]. ArmyInform (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  12. ^ "У Києві провели навчання оборонного резерву та до Дня територіальної оборони нагородили 47 резервістів та військовослужбовців ( фото)" [Training of the defense reserve was held in Kyiv and 47 reservists and servicemen were awarded for the Day of Territorial Defense ( photo)]. Kyiv City Council (in Ukrainian). 2 October 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  13. ^ Rybalka, Hanna; Volosov, Artur (21 December 2021). "У хід пішли шашки та шумові гранати: як у Києві відбулися тренування бійців тероборони – сюжет" [Checkers and stun grenades went into action: how the training of Terrodefense fighters took place in Kyiv - the story]. 5 Kanal (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Уперше в Києві провели навчання повного складу 112 бригади територіальної оборони, участь у яких одночасно взяли 9 батальйонів ( фото)" [For the first time in Kyiv, the full staff of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade was trained, in which 9 battalions simultaneously took part ( photo)]. Kyiv City Council (in Ukrainian). 7 February 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  15. ^ Obraztsov, Anastasia; Servatynskyi, Elisaveta (30 March 2022). ""Звернення до всіх киян: довіряйте ЗСУ" — як працює тероборона в Києві. Фоторепортаж" ["Appeal to all Kyivans: trust the Armed Forces" — how territorial defense works in Kyiv. Photo report]. Suspilne (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  16. ^ "Кількість бажаючих зашкалює: у столичній бригаді ТрО закінчилися місця, буде сформована ще одна" [The number of applicants is staggering: there are no more places in the capital's TrO brigade, another one will be formed]. 5 Kanal (in Ukrainian). 27 February 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  17. ^ a b Halukh, Oleksandr (14 April 2023). "Сьогодні виповнюється рік від дня створення 241-ї бригади тероборони Києва" [Today marks one year since the creation of the 241st Brigade of Territorial Defense of Kyiv]. Evening Kyiv (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  18. ^ a b "112-та бригада Сил ТрО отримала Бойовий прапор" [The 112th Brigade of Territorial Defense received its Battle flag]. ArmyInform (in Ukrainian). 29 August 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  19. ^ "В оточенні окупантів: 206-й батальйон тероборони Києва, створений на базі "Європейської Солідарності", врятував мешканців Ірпеня" [Surrounded by the occupiers: the 206th battalion of Kyiv's territorial defense, created on the basis of "European Solidarity", saved the residents of Irpin]. 5 Kanal (in Ukrainian). 3 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  20. ^ Tereverko, Oleksandr (27 February 2023). "Для ворога — "головний каратель", для підлеглих — дбайливий командир" [For the enemy - the "chief punisher", for subordinates - a caring commander]. АрміяInform (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  21. ^ "Віталій Кличко: У Києві сформували окрему охоронну роту для захисту об'єктів критичної інфраструктури. Сьогодні її бійці прийняли присягу ( фото, відео)" [Vitaliy Klitschko: A separate security company was formed in Kyiv to protect critical infrastructure facilities. Today, its fighters took the oath ( photo, video)]. Kyiv City Council (in Ukrainian). 2 April 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  22. ^ a b Zlatska, Veronika (6 June 2022). "В Броварах склали присягу 250 військовослужбовців 55-го окремого батальйону" [250 servicemen of the 55th separate battalion took the oath in Brovary]. kievvlast.com.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  23. ^ Berman, Lazar (2 August 2022). "In town with uncertain loyalties, confident Ukrainian troops face down Russian fire". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  24. ^ "На передовій і в тилу: як український бізнес наближає нашу перемогу" [On the front lines and in the rear: how Ukrainian business brings our victory closer)]. 24 Kanal (in Ukrainian). 19 July 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  25. ^ a b Samokhvalov, Lana (3 April 2023). "Олександр Посітко, командир батальйону 112 бригади" [Oleksandr Positko, battalion commander of the 112th brigade]. Ukrinform (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  26. ^ ""Повернись живим" оснастив мінометників для трьох бригад ТрО" ["Come Back Alive" equipped mortar units for three brigades of the TrO]. mil.in.ua/ (in Ukrainian). 19 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  27. ^ Shchyhol, Iryna (16 March 2020). "Гендерний квест "You're in the Army now"" [Gender quest "You're in the Army now"]. ArmyInform (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  28. ^ Serediuk, Lidiia; Chebotarov, Mykola (7 March 2023). "Трофейні гільзи і уламки робочих ракет: скільки коштів вдалося зібрати на благодійному аукціоні" [Trophy casings and fragments of working rockets: how much money was collected at the charity auction]. 5 Kanal (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  29. ^ "Розпочато облаштування першого пункту постійного розташування 112-ої бригади територіальної оборони Києва" [Arrangement of the first point of permanent location of the 112th territorial defense brigade of Kyiv has begun]. Kyiv City Council (in Ukrainian). 7 December 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  30. ^ Zahrebelnyi, Volodymyr (16 September 2021). "Затверджено нарукавні емблеми для окремих бригад тероборони" [Sleeve emblems for individual Teroborona brigades have been approved]. ArmyInform (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 14 March 2023.