About Us

The 33rd separate mechanized brigade of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was created on December 22, 2022 in accordance with the directive of the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The military formation was formed on the basis of the Uzhhorod RTCC and SP, and the fighters held their first combat training in the Transcarpathian and Rivne regions.

In May 2023, the 33rd began its heroic combat path – it stood up for the defense of the Nation and the State and proved its strength and determination on the battlefield.

The 33rd underwent its baptism of fire in the Zaporizhia direction. On June 7, 2023, it entered battle near Malaya Tokmachka, taking part in the counteroffensive of the Defense Forces in southern Ukraine. It fought near Orekhov, Robotyn and Verbovye.

From the first days of the counteroffensive, the fighters of the brigade demonstrated a high level of training and motivation. Units of the 33rd tirelessly struck at the enemy, weakening his defenses and knocking out the occupiers from their occupied positions.

By July 10, 2023, with the direct participation of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Brigade, more than 200 square kilometers of the territory of Ukraine had been liberated from the Russian occupiers.

From August to October 2023, after heavy fighting, the fighters of the 33rd underwent rehabilitation in the Kharkiv region. At the same time, the 417th, 418th, and 421st separate rifle battalions were included in the brigade, which further strengthened its combat power.

On October 14, 2023, returning to the Zaporizhia direction, the 33rd launched counteroffensives near Novoprokopivka, and in January 2024 it established itself in the liberated Ukrainian territories.

In January 2024, individual units of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Brigade were moved to the Donetsk direction and transferred to operational subordination to other military units, with which they fought near Chasovy Yar, Klishchiivka, Avdiivka, Toretsk, etc. And in February, the entire 33rd went to the Donetsk region, where it fought fierce battles near Pobeda, Dalne and Dachne.

Currently, servicemen of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Brigade continue to defend Ukraine.

Our equipment

The brigade fights using foreign and domestic equipment, among which we can highlight:

• Tanks – Leopard 2A4;
• Armored vehicles – M113, MaxxPro, Humvee, YPR-765, Oshkosh, Novator, and others;
• Artillery installations – M109L, 2S1;
• Unmanned systems – bombers “Vampire”, “Nemesis”, DJI Mavic and FPV of various modifications.

Symbolism

At the end of January 2023. The servicemen of the 33rd brigade independently developed a layout of their sleeve insignia. Then the brigade symbolism was based on the image of a wolf, because wolves are strong, hardy and united predators that act as a single pack, support each other and zealously defend their territory.

In general, the initiative of the brigade fighters was taken into account, and on March 15, 2023, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine approved the sleeve insignia of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Brigade. It depicted a wolf profile against the background of mountains – a symbol of Transcarpathia, where the brigade was formed.

The evolution of the chevrons of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Brigade, from the foundation of the brigade
to the modern model with a sword and Adam’s head.

On September 1, 2023, having gained combat experience in the battles in Zaporizhia, the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade received its new symbols. The current sleeve insignia of the 33rd Motorized Rifle Brigade combines the traditions of the Ukrainian army and modern standards of military emblems. The brigade emblem depicts a skull with a sword pointed downwards, which embodies fighting spirit, indomitability and contempt for death.

Totenkopf (Adam’s head) has long been used in military tradition. This is one of the oldest symbols of military affairs, personifying the severity of war and at the same time military victory, courage and readiness for self-sacrifice for the sake of a high goal. It is a sign of courage, unwavering will and determination to perform the most difficult combat missions.

On the sleeve insignia of the 33rd Brigade, Adam’s head is placed at the intersection of a sword – a symbol of military valor and courage. In the European tradition, this symbol was often used by military units that gained fame for their assault operations and breakthroughs of enemy fortifications.

Victorious, heroic, indomitable brothers and sisters are the basis of our strength. In the ranks of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, you will become part of a combat family, receive all the necessary training and fight for the freedom of Ukraine together with the best representatives of our Nation.