110th Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)

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110th Separate Mechanized Brigade
110-та окрема механізована бригада
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
ActiveMarch 8, 2022 - Today
Country Ukraine
Branch Ukrainian Ground Forces
RoleMechanized Infantry
Part ofOperational Command North
EquipmentBMP-1, YPR-765, 152 mm SpGH DANA, RM-70 Vampire
EngagementsRusso-Ukrainian War
Commanders
Current
commander
Mykola Chumak

The 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Marko Bezruchko (Ukrainian: 110-та окрема механізована бригада імені Марка Безручка) is a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in 2022.[1] Since then, it has gained notoriety for its part in the Battle of Avdiivka, where it fought for almost two years before being ordered to retreat in February of 2024.[2][3]

History[edit]

The unit exclusively uses equipment donated or purchased from the Czech Republic.[4]

The brigade was formed in March 2022, shortly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Soon after its formation, the brigade was deployed in Avdiivka, and defended the city, as well as the AKHZ plant, until it was captured in February of 2024.[5][6][2]

As the fighting for Avdiivka intensified in October 2023, the brigade successfully repelled multiple Russian assaults, mostly around the AKHZ plant and the village of Stepove, where the 47th Mechanized Brigade was deployed. According to some sources, the Russian Armed Forces suffered over 40 thousand killed and wounded, and lost 13 vehicles for every vehicle lost by the defenders.[7][8][9]

In late 2023, soldiers defending Avdiivka started to suffer from a lack of artillery ammunition. FPV drones were able to partially compensate for the lack of artillery shells, but were limited by their range and vulnerability to bad weather.[10] Many observers blamed the lack of ammunition on members of the US Republican Party, who opposed an aid package worth $61 billion proposed by president Joe Biden.[11]

On February 4, 2024, Russian troops took advantage of cloudy weather conditions and broke through the 110th Brigade's positions, gaining a foothold in the northern part of the city. The brigade suffered significant losses, as Russian servicemen captured positions close to the main road in and out of Avdiivka.[11]

On 13 February 2024, the 110th Mechanized Brigade was rotated out of Avdiivka after having defended the city non-stop since March 2022. The 3rd Assault Brigade was deployed to the city to cover the retreat.[3]

Structure[edit]

Mykola Chumak in Avdiivka on 20 December 2023

As of 2023 the brigade's structure is as follows:[12]

  • 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade,
    • Brigade Headquarters & Headquarters Company
    • 1st Mechanized Battalion
    • 2nd Mechanized Battalion
    • 3rd Mechanized Battalion
    • 12th Separate Rifle Battalion
    • Tank Battalion
    • Field Artillery Regiment
    • FPV Drone Company
    • Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
    • Reconnaissance Company
    • Engineer Battalion
    • Transmissions Company
    • Radar Company
    • Medical Company
    • Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Company
    • Maintenance Battalion (BREM-2 ARVs)
    • Commandant's Platoon
    • Logistics Battalion

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Defense forces shoot down enemy aircraft near Avdiivka". www.ukrinform.net. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  2. ^ a b Axe, David. "To Save Avdiivka, The Ukrainians Could Boost The Battle-Hardened 110th Brigade". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  3. ^ a b Axe, David. "Ukraine Has Two Specialized Assault Brigades. It Sent One To Avdiivka To Cover The Garrison's Retreat". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  4. ^ "We must form a tank fist of freedom whose hits will not let tyranny stand up again – President Zelensky". www.ukrinform.net. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  5. ^ Axe, David. "One Exhausted Ukrainian Brigade In Avdiivka Reportedly Blew Up 200 Russian Vehicles And Killed 800 Russian Troops". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  6. ^ "From The Trenches Of Avdiivka, Ukraine's Hell On Earth - Worldcrunch". worldcrunch.com. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  7. ^ "US declassifies intel as the White House pushes for more Ukraine funding". POLITICO. 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  8. ^ Axe, David. "Racing Back And Forth Along A Single Road In Stepove, The Ukrainians Knock Out 13 Russian Vehicles For Every One They Lose". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  9. ^ Pfarrer, Jason Jay Smart, Chuck (2023-12-30). "Analysis: Perception vs. Reality – Russia Is Losing, Not Winning". Kyiv Post. Retrieved 2024-02-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Axe, David. "Russian Artillery Gunners Are Getting Cocky. As Ukraine Runs Out Of Ammo, Russian Guns Gather For Devastating Salvos". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  11. ^ a b Axe, David. "A Ukrainian Brigade Ran Low On Ammo. That, Plus Some Bad Weather, Was All The Advantage Russian Troops Needed To Breach Avdiivka". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  12. ^ UkrInform. "Ukrainian Forces Regain Control of More Than 60 Settlements in Kherson Region". Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - KyivPost. Retrieved 2023-05-09.