45th Rifle Battalion

45th Rifle Battalion was a unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. 

The unit was formed in April 2022, in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. 

It was formed in April 2022, in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. It went on to defend the Kyiv Oblast at the start of Russia’s withdrawal from the north of the country. It also defended the Kyiv Oblast after Russia’s failed attempt to capture Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, due to the successful defense of Hostomel and Antonov Airport.

It also helped to participate in the defense of Chernihiv Oblast, where Russian forces would also later withdraw.

Between May and June 2022, the unit was re-equipped, received additional personnel and training, and was deployed to eastern Ukraine in the Donbas, where it performed combat missions until its disbandment.

It was subordinated to the 31st Mechanized Brigade, and it would fight in some of the bloodiest battles of the conflict, including Avdiivka in late 2023.

Between January and February 2023, the unit fought in Novobakhmutivka, where it would suffer losses.

On December 2, 2023, a video was published showing Russian forces shooting two unarmed Ukrainian defenders in the city, both being soldiers of the battalion.

On December 31, 2024, the battalion became defunct, and its personnel were redistributed amongst the ranks of the 31st Mechanized Brigade.

Insignia

The insignia features a grey-green chevron with a black border. At its centre is a Cossack cross, with two sabres crossed on either side. The short abbreviation and numerical designation of the unit are located on each side of the Cossack cross, and the long name of the insignia is located at the peak. A Tryzub is located at the bottom of the chevron below the inscribed short abbreviation.