160th Mechanized Brigade

160th Mechanized Brigade is a unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.

The brigade was formed in June 2024 and was officially revealed to be in the process of formation in August 2024.

It was part of a program known as the Ukrainian Legion, a deal signed between Poland and Ukraine to encourage volunteers living in countries on the European continent, outside of Ukraine, to form a volunteer military unit that would be trained and equipped in Poland. It promised fair treatment and adequate conditions.

In April 2025, the brigade appointed a new commander, with the former unit commander, Colonel Volodymyr Babanyn, being replaced by Colonel Vyacheslav Husinky, although the reason for the rotation was unclear.

Eventually, Husinky would be replaced by Colonel Valeriy Semenets.

By December 2025, while still in the process of formation, despite being formed over a year ago, the brigade’s 1st Mechanized Battalion was temporarily subordinated to the 71st Jaeger Brigade in Sumy Oblast and deployed to predominantly second-line defensive positions.

Additional elements of the brigade were seconded to the 23rd Mechanized Brigade near the village of Orestopil in the Pokrovsk direction. In January 2026, the majority of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion and elements of the brigade’s 3rd Mechanized Battalion were transferred to the 425th Assault Regiment “Skelya”, as well as to the 155th Mechanized Brigade, both of which were performing combat operations in the settlement of Hryshyne in the Pokrovsk direction.

Many of the brigade’s personnel attached to these formations were involved in attempts to retake lost positions near Pokrovsk, sustaining significant losses in the process. _{Learn more in this MilitaryLand article}

Insignia

The insignia displays a traditional chevron with a blue canvas and a subdued olive border. At its center stands a bold white shield, bearing a prominent red upright cross, extending through the design. The central cross is derived from the historical banner of the Kingdom of Rus, associated with King Yuriy I of the Halych-Volhynia, serving as a symbol of continuinity, honor, and the enduring traditions of the region.