Linearization of 58th Motorized Brigade

Three separate units under the command of the 58th Motorized Brigade have been reorganized as part of the ongoing restructuring of Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The change has been revealed by recruiting server LobbyX and social media accounts.

All three units were originally formed in April 2014 under the law “On the Defense of Ukraine.” They began as territorial volunteer formations created during the partial mobilization that followed Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of fighting in Donbas. In total, 34 such battalions were established. In 2015, most territorial defense battalions were partially demobilized, while those that had distinguished themselves in combat were integrated into newly formed regular units, including the 58th Motorized Brigade.

The New Structure

The 13th Separate Motorized Battalion was originally established as the 13th Territorial Defense Battalion “Chernihiv-1.” It was reorganized into the 1st Motorized Battalion of the 58th Motorized Brigade.

The 16th Separate Motorized Battalion began as the 16th Territorial Defense Battalion “Poltava,” forming the foundation for the brigade’s 3rd Motorized Battalion.

The 15th Separate Motorized Battalion has perhaps the most notable transition. It was restructured in early 2025 into the brigade’s 3rd Rifle Battalion and underwent another reorganization in August 2025, becoming the 2nd Motorized Battalion. According to anonymous sources who spoke with MilitaryLand, this latest change was driven by a new commander with prior service in the Air Assault Forces. The commander reportedly aims to start a new era for the unit, adopting mottos such as “Infantry, Commando, Assault,” which are now featured on the unit’s banners.

All three units has ceased to exist as separate entities in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.