Kulchitskyi Battalion Transfers to Lyubart

Amid ongoing reforms to strengthen combat effectiveness and its combat corps, the Ukrainian National Guard continues to reshape its forces, expanding proven units, scaling units to support its corps, or integrating volunteer units into the combat structure.

Integration of the Battalion

On April 1, 2026, the Lyubart Brigade announced across all its active social channels the integration of the legendary Kulchitskyi Battalion into the ranks of the brigade, being reformed into its 4th Operational Battalion. In October 2025, MilitaryLand also reported on the integration of the Nakhtihal Battalion into the ranks of the brigade, becoming its dedicated Unmanned Systems Battalion.

Rather than pursuing endless expansion or unnecessary reorganization, the branch has focused solely on effectively integrating existing and combat capable units into its combat structure, consolidating manpower where it is most needed.

This approach strengthens the various brigades within both the 1st Azov Corps and 2nd Khartia Corps, filling critical gaps, particularly in formations like the Lyubart Brigade, which has required additional personnel following its expansion around a year ago.

Additionally, as part of its integration into the brigade, the Kulchitskyi Battalion has been issued a new insignia, reflecting the identity of the Lyubart Brigade.

The insignia continues the identity of the Kulchitskyi Battalion’s insignia, with the exception that the main imagery is contained within a stylized chevron in theme with the brigade and the 1st Azov Corps. The central symbolism depicts a stylized Tryzub in the form of a lion, symbolizing indomitable warriors fighting for the Trident, representing Ukraine.

Combat Path of Kulchitskyi

On March 14, 2014, approximately 500 volunteers from the Maidan Self-Defense units signed up to become reservists in the National Guard of Ukraine. Their combat training and coordination were led by Major General Serhiy Kulchytsky.

In April 2014, 300 of these reservists took the oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people, forming the 1st Reserve Battalion before deploying to eastern Ukraine. The following month, another 270 volunteers completed their training, forming the 2nd Reserve Battalion. They departed for eastern Ukraine on the same day a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter carrying Major General Serhiy Kulchytsky was shot down near Slovyansk. He became the first Ukrainian general killed during the War in Donbas.

In July 2014, the two reserve battalions were merged into a single operational unit, which was named in honor of Hero of Ukraine Major General Serhiy Kulchytsky.

Following the Russian full-scale invasion in 2022, the battalion took part in the defense of Kyiv Oblast before redeploying to the east. It contributed to the liberation of Lyman, Sviatohirsk, and Yarova, and later fought in the Bakhmut direction.

In March 2023, the battalion joined the Bureviy Brigade, and was later incorporated into the Khartia Brigade. In March 2025, the unit was transferred to the 27th Brigade and withdrawn from the frontline for reorganization into a specialized unit focused on assault operations.