Nakhtihal unit joins Lyubart Brigade

In April 2025, MilitaryLand reported on the creation of two corps inside the Ukrainian National Guard, being the 1st Azov Corps, formed on the basis of the Azov Brigade, and the 2nd Khartia Corps, formed on the basis of the Khartia Brigade, arguably two of the most prominent and successful combat units inside the branch.

As part of the creation of the 1st Azov Corps, the 5th Special Purpose Battalion “Lyubart”, formerly part of the Azov Brigade, was expanded and established as a separate brigade, becoming known as the 20th Operational Brigade “Lyubart”. Since then, the unit has been actively recruiting and continues to undergo combat operations in the Toretsk sector in Donetsk Oblast alongside the Azov Brigade.

Nakhtihal Expansion and Integration

On October 9, 2025, the Lyubart Brigade announced via its official Telegram channel the creation of an innovative battalion of unmanned systems within the brigade’s structure. According to the statement, the Nakhtihal unit would become the core of this new formation.

“An innovative battalion of unmanned systems is being created in the Lyubart brigade, which will include the professional unit Nakhtihal , known for its significant combat achievements. The Nakhtihal Battalion within the Lyubart Brigade will unite operators, engineers, technicians, and analysts to implement and operate modern robotic systems, as well as to effectively strike the enemy and preserve the lives of comrades.”“

Originally formed in 2023, the Nakhtihal Battalion was formed by soldiers across many forces, including marine infantry, airborne assault troops, special operations forces, and many other combat units that had mastered or improved their skills in the field with unmanned systems equipment, according to the recent announcement by the Lyubart Brigade.

Initially, the unit was formed as the third linear battalion of the 1st Center of Unmanned Systems Forces, formerly known as the 14th Regiment of Unmanned Systems, which is popularly known for carrying out its long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. This information was initially reported by Unian and Ukrinform.

On October 2, 2024, the unit was reassigned to the 413th Battalion of Unmanned Systems, which would be expanded to the size of a regiment a year later, as MilitaryLand recently reported on.

Following their reassignment to the 413th, they had participated in many combat missions, inflicting significant damage on Russian forces, predominantly in the Kursk Incursion launched in August 2024. The unit had also carried out many other operations in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk Oblasts against Russian forces, gaining valuable experience.

New Insignia

As part of the unit’s new assignment to the Lyubart Brigade, they have also received a new insignia to fit their new home.

The new insignia features the signature Azov-style chevron, reflecting their assignment to the Lyubart Brigade, which has roots to the Azov Movement and the Azov Brigade itself, as well as the 1st Azov Corps. The main imagery depicts a stylized eagle inside the Idea of the Nation symbol. Its color scheme also reflects that of the brigade, consisting of a dark green canvas and light cream contrast.

Sources: official Telegram of the Lyubart Brigade, official Telegram of Nakthihal, official Telegram of Madyar, official Telegram of the 413th Regiment of Unmanned Systems, Unian News Agency, Ukrinform News Agency.