Ukrainian Volunteer Unit Arey Grows from Battalion to Regiment

The 253rd Separate Assault Battalion “Arey” of Ukraine’s Ground Forces has been officially expanded to regimental size, the unit announced on social media.

“It’s official! From today, the separate assault battalion ‘AREY’ begins a new milestone in its glorious history,” the announcement read. “By the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 253rd separate assault battalion ‘AREY’ will be transformed into the 253rd separate assault regiment ‘AREY’.”

The expansion marks the latest chapter in the unit’s evolution since its formation in 2022. Originally established as the 7th Battalion Arey of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, the unit was initially subordinated to the 129th Territorial Defense Brigade. It was built from volunteer detachments that fought in Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts during the early months of the full-scale invasion.

While officially designated the 253rd Territorial Defense Battalion, the unit commonly used its Ukrainian Volunteer Army designation. In 2024, it underwent its first reorganization, becoming the 253rd Assault Battalion. With the establishment of Ukraine’s Assault Troops branch, the battalion was reassigned under direct Assault Troops command.