159th Mechanized Brigade

159th Mechanized Brigade is a unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

The brigade was initially established as the 159th Infantry Brigade in March 2024, on the basis of elements of the 23rd Rifle Battalion as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. Many soldiers of this rifle battalion joined the brigade and helped to form its basis with heavy combat experience.

In early October 2024, following further aid from Western countries, the brigade was reformed as a mechanized formation, becoming the 159th Mechanized Brigade.

In December 2024, members of the 1st Rifle Battalion of the 67th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, affiliated with Right Sector and the former Ukrainian Volunteer Corps, joined the brigade to help bolster the brigade’s combat experience and competence.

In January 2025, Slovenian M-55S tanks were discovered to be reassigned to the brigade, providing the formation with its first few known tank elements to help elevate it to mechanized status.

In March 2025, it was confirmed that, despite alleged rumors online about the brigade disbanding, it was continuing to be formed and raised from the ground up. In July 2025, it was confirmed that the brigade, alongside the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, had joined the newly formed 21st Army Corps.

Insignia

The insignia consists of a chevron with a deep blue canvas and a strikingly bright yellow border color. In the center, the insignia displays a golden knot in the center.