The 159th Separate Infantry Brigade (Ukrainian: 159 окрема піхотна бригада, romanized: 159 okrema pіhotna bryhada), is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in April 2024. It was part of the creation and expansion of nine other brigades in the Ukrainian Ground Forces, announced by its commander Oleksandr Pavliuk, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[3]
The brigade as of May 2024 is undergoing the process and stage of formation to become a fully-fledged and capable unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. It is expected that these units will help to defend against a potential Russian offensive in 2024.[3]
The brigade was formed after a Ukrainian mobilization law came into force, seeing the draft age being lowered from 27 to 25 and placing penalties for those avoiding conscription.[4][3] This law also saw prisoners being able to join the armed forces.[4]
It was reported by Forbes that these 10 new brigades would consist of 2,000 people and that some of these new brigades would be infantry - not mechanized brigades.[3] It was stated by Pavluvik, the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, that these new brigades could be stationed around Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, for a potential Russian offensive.
The creation of the brigade was first noted by Pervomaisk City Council by its Mayor in a report for April 2024. The report stated that the City Council and the Mayor had assisted in the creation of the 159th Infantry Brigade, according to the report: arranging residences, building materials, and providing technical equipment.[1] The brigade received its insignia on 21 May 2024.[5]
The 159th Infantry Brigade is expected to play a significant role since its formation, most probably expected to repel a potential Russian offensive in 2024. The brigade is currently undergoing formation, similarly to other brigades such as the 155th Infantry Brigade, which was formed in Rivne Oblast.[6]
Ukraine
Ukrainian Ground Forces
