151st Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)

The brigade was announced in mid-October 2023, alongside the creation of five new mechanized brigades as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[4] On 17 October 2023, it was reported that the brigade was being formed at a rapid pace, and was expected to soon be sent to the front-line in Ukraine. It was also noted that a possible military number designation was found for the unit - A4941.^[3]

On 30 October 2023, information regarding the creation of the 151st Mechanized Brigade was publicized; with the brigade receiving its insignia, and its motto. The brigade was reported to be staffed with soldiers that were conscripted throughout 2023, with some officers and sergeants assigned from other mechanized brigades.^{[citation needed]} Similarly, majority of the officer brigades announced alongside the unit were expected to draw its cadre from experienced officers and non-commissioned officers.^[2]

Allegedly on 31 October 2023, a video surfaced online displaying the oath of the soldiers of the 151st Mechanized Brigade - where the emblem of the newly created formation was also shown for the first time. According to preliminary data, the brigade was formed in Poltava Oblast, which was also indirectly indicated by its symbols on its shoulder sleeve insignia.^{[citation needed]}

Posts on social media by the brigade show that there are several women amongst the ranks of the unit.^[10]

It can be presumed from several social media publications by the unit that they have been actively training, as well as fighting in eastern Ukraine.

2022 Russian invasion

The 151st Mechanized Brigade was reported to be formed in anticipation of a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024, as well as to bolster Ukrainian defenses in eastern Ukraine to relieve depleted units deployed there.^[2][3]

The brigade has undergone extensive training in eastern Ukraine.^[5][6][7] It is presumed that some elements of the unit is involved in combat in Ukraine,^[8][9] however there is no official confirmation.^{[citation needed]}

As indicated by the title of the DAILY KOS article, the brigade is in need of modernizing its equipment with American surplus armor.^[5] The brigade, according to an article by Forbes - has old stockpiles of equipment such as BMPs and MT-LBs.^[2] The unit is most likely expected to receive or be donated modern weapons from supporters, or the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In a publication by the 151st Mechanized Brigade on social media on 5 December 2023, it was stated that cars, drones, generators, thermometers, foods, and other essentials were made possible by the Dnipro City Council and the head of the city Boris Filatov - who donated a significant amount of effort and money to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The post also ended with the unit thanking the Dnipro City Council, and Boris Filatov personally.^[11]

Similarly on 13 December 2023, the unit published several photographs of them receiving camouflaged uniform pieces such as ghillie suits.^[12]

On 18 December 2023, prior to Christmas, fighters of the brigade published photographs of providing humanitarian aid to reidents and children from Novomoskovsk, Ukraine. It was mentioned that food, medicine, hygiene and other items needed were provided.^[13]

Structure

As of October 2023, the brigade's structure is as follows:^{[citation needed]}

• 151st Mechanized Brigade
  • Brigade's Headquarters
  • 1st Mechanized Battalion
  • 2nd Mechanized Battalion
  • 3rd Mechanized Battalion
  • Tank Battalion
  • Reconnaissance Company
  • Artillery Group
  • Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
  • Engineer Battalion
  • Logistic Battalion
  • Maintenance Battalion
  • CBRN Protection Company
  • Medical Company
  • Radar Company
  • Signal Company

References