Command Change in 53rd Mechanized Brigade

A new commander has been appointed to lead the 53rd Mechanized Brigade, part of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, according to an announcement on official social media channels. Lieutenant Colonel Ihor Mykhailenko has been named as the brigade’s new commander, replacing Andriy Kolodyazhny.

According to Mykhailenko, the key priorities are psychological support, the development of UAVs and the training of personnel.

About the commander

Ihor Mykhailenko joined the Azov Battalion in 2014 as a volunteer, commanding an assault group during the liberation of Mariupol and taking part in key battles such as Ilovaisk and Shyrokyne. By late 2014, he was leading the 1st Company and soon became the second commander of the Azov Regiment, a position he held until 2016.

After his frontline service, he founded the “Centuria” organization, focusing on civic mobilization and training. Following the start of the full-scale invasion, he returned to active duty, commanding the Azov-Kyiv Special Operations unit and later serving as deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade.

With the creation of the 3rd Army Corps, he was appointed its deputy commander. In March 2026, he was named commander of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade.