Oleksandr Sak Appointed Commander of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade

Col. Oleksandr Sak has assumed the role of commander of the 53rd Mechanized Brigade. This information was shared by a Ukrainian volunteer who posted a gift certificate from the brigade. Additionally, Sak has been promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Oleksandr Sak previously served in the 93rd Mechanized Brigade and, in November 2022, became the commander of the newly formed 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura.” As its commander, he led the brigade during Ukraine’s summer offensive. In September 2023, following a failed offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the brigade’s poor battlefield performance, and internal issues within the command staff, Oleksandr Sak was removed from his position as commander.

The 53rd Mechanized Brigade was previously led by Col. Anatoly Kozel, though only for a few months. Earlier this year, he succeeded Col. Serhiy Kosovan. The reason for Col. Kozel’s dismissal from his position is unknown. It might be connected to the ongoing reformation of the brigade.