{{Short description|Ukrainian Ground Forces unit}} {{pp|small=yes}} {{use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = 3rd Separate Assault Brigade | native_name = {{lang|uk|3-тя окрема штурмова бригада}} | image = 3ошбр logo.svg | image_size = 123 | caption = Brigade patch | start_date = {{Start date|2023|01}} | country = {{flagu|Ukraine}} | branch = {{army|Ukraine}} | role = Assault infantry | command_structure = Operational Command North<br />25px 3rd Army Corps | garrison = Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine | battles = {{Tree list}} *Russo-Ukrainian War **Russian invasion of Ukraine ***Battle of Bakhmut ***2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive ***Luhansk Oblast campaign ***Battle of Avdiivka {{tree list/end}} | decorations = 200px <br/> For Courage and Bravery | website = [https://ab3.army/ Official Website] | commander1 = Capt. Yaroslav Levenets<ref>{{cite web|language=uk|access-date=29 September 2025|date=11 August 2025|title=Зустріч, що запалює серця|url=https://yampil-miskrada.gov.ua/news/1754895526/|quote=Зустріч розпочалась з приємної миті – військовослужбовець вручив міському голові Сергію Гаджуку Подяку командира третьої окремої штурмової бригади капітана Ярослава Левенця за вагомий внесок у підвищення боєздатності ОШБ.|website=Yampil City Council}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://krzgromada.gov.ua/news/1758206103/|title=Висока Подяка селищному голові за патріотизм і підтримку|language=uk|access-date=29 September 2025|date=18 September 2025|website=Kryzhopil Council|quote=Це була цінна подяка від командира 3-ї окремої штурмової бригади, капітана Ярослава Левенця.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|quote=Цього разу від 3-ї окремої штурмової бригади за підписом командира бригади, капітана Ярослава Левенця.|language=uk|access-date=29 September 2025|date=26 September 2025|title=Голова Ширяївської громади отримав подяку від 3-ї окремої штурмової бригади|website=Berezivka Raion|url=https://berezivka.rayon.in.ua/news/837930-golova-shiryaivskoi-gromadi-otrimav-podyaku-vid-3-i-okremoi-shturmovoi-brigadi}}</ref> | notable_commanders = Andriy Biletsky<br>Dmytro Kukharchuk | identification_symbol = 100px | identification_symbol_label = Flag }}
The '''3rd Separate Assault Brigade''' ({{Langx|uk|3-тя окрема штурмова бригада|translit=3-tia okrema shturmova bryhada}}) is a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=3-я окрема штурмовова бригада {{!}} ЗОШБр {{!}} Офіційний сайт |url=https://ab3.army/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=ab3.army}}</ref> It is considered one of Ukraine's most elite military units, and is mostly composed of combat veteran volunteers from other Ukrainian units.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Michael |last2=Rushton |first2=James |date=2025-09-10 |title=Inside Ukraine’s Plan To Build a Self-Sufficient Defense Force |url=https://newlinesmag.com/spotlight/inside-ukraines-plan-to-build-self-sufficient-defense-force/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212002331/https://newlinesmag.com/spotlight/inside-ukraines-plan-to-build-self-sufficient-defense-force/ |archive-date=2026-02-12 |access-date=2026-05-31 |website=New Lines Magazine |language=en}}</ref> In 2025, it formed the foundation for the newly-formed 3rd Army Corps, which the brigade is now a part of.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
The brigade was established by a merger of the Azov SSO (Special Operations Forces) units that had been created by former Azov Battalion veterans and local volunteers in Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv in reaction the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> The brigade was commanded by Andriy Biletsky, founder and former commander of the Azov Battalion and former People's Deputy of Ukraine.
The 3rd Brigade gained broader public attention through the Mstyslav Chernov documentary ''2000 Meters to Andriivka'', which follows its operations during the fighting near Andriivka during the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metric of Loss: Mstyslav Chernov Discusses the Ethical Responsibility of ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’ {{!}} International Documentary Association |url=https://www.documentary.org/feature/we-have-walk-thin-ice-mstyslav-chernov-discusses-ethical-responsibility-2000-meters |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=www.documentary.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=by |date=2025-11-25 |title=Chernov’s Wager |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/chernovs-wager-andriivka-film |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=Tablet Magazine |language=en}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Background and founding === With the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, most units of the Azov Regiment were based in Mariupol where they soon would be besieged. Outside of Mariupol, many former veterans of Azov outside the city began forming new units, in particular in Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv. These units were initially part of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine (TDF). Veterans of the Azov Regiment formed the "backbone" of these units.<ref name="Вот Так">{{Cite web |title="Русский добровольческий корпус", "Легион" и ССО "Азов". Как россияне воюют против Кремля на стороне Украины |url=https://vot-tak.tv/novosti/24-08-2022-rossiyane-voyuyut-za-ukrainu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209115721/https://vot-tak.tv/novosti/24-08-2022-rossiyane-voyuyut-za-ukrainu |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=1 October 2022 |website=Вот Так |language=ru}}</ref> The Azov TDF units proved themselves to be particularly effective in combat, and thus they were soon turned into regiments and reassigned as part of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine (SSO) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where they received special training and equipment, and became collectively known as "'''Azov SSO'''".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Special operations forces of SSO Azov regiment become separate assault brigade of Ground Forces and fight in Bakhmut |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/01/26/7386607/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Ball-2022">{{Cite news |last=Ball |first=Tom |date=30 May 2022 |title=Azov Battalion drops neo-Nazi symbol exploited by Russian propagandists |language=en |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/azov-battalion-drops-neo-nazi-symbol-exploited-by-russian-propagandists-lpjnsp7qg |access-date= |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In addition, at Dnipro, former Azov veterans established the 98th Territorial Defence Battalion 'Azov-Dnipro' of the TDF.<ref name="Azov1">{{cite web |date=April 2022 |title="Dnieper Operational" – Commander of the 98th Battalion of the Dnieper Azov Troop spoke about the situation at the front |url=https://ca.topnews.media/ukraine/dnieper-operational-commander-of-the-98th-battalion-of-the-dnieper-azov-troop-spoke-about-the-situation-at-the-front-video/ |work=TopNews.ca}}</ref>
In January 2023, all the former Azov SSO units, in addition to the 98th TDF Battalion, were merged into a single fully operational combat unit within the Ukrainian Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=SSO Azov becomes Separate Assault Brigade with Army's Ground Forces |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3659853-azov-becomes-separate-assault-brigade-with-armys-ground-forces.html |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=www.ukrinform.net |date=26 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-26 |title=SSO Azov Reformed and is Now the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade |url=https://theatlasnews.co/brief/2023/01/26/azov-regiment-reformed-and-is-now-the-3rd-separate-assault-brigade/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Atlas News |language=en-US |last1=Baker |first1=Chase }}</ref> The formation of this brigade was strategically designed to create a highly mobile, well-equipped, and extensively trained force capable of engaging in both defensive and offensive operations.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
=== 2023 === An important milestone for the brigade occurred on 24 February 2023, when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally presented the Regimental Colour during a ceremonial event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Суспільне Новини |date=Feb 24, 2023 |title=Зеленський до річниці великої війни нагородив військових на Софіївській площі |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTa9lMDA3nM |website=YouTube (23:50)}}</ref> The colors of the brigade were said to symbolize "the tenacity of the traditions of Ukrainian statehood: from princely times [of Kievan Rus'], the Cossack period, the first liberation struggles [in the early 20th century] to modern times".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Special operations forces of Azov regiment become separate assault brigade of Ground Forces and fight in Bakhmut |url=https://pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/01/26/7386607/ |work=Ukrainska Pravda}}</ref> [[File:Capture d’écran 2024-07-30 à 03.20.51.png|thumb|310x310px|3rd Brigade soldiers in the Battle of Bakhmut]] The brigade's soldiers took part in the liberation of Kherson and parts of the Kherson Oblast, as well as in the battle of Bakhmut.<ref>{{cite web|title=Унікальні кадри війни з передової Бахмута Хроніка боїв азовців - документальний фільм| website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji637wXgPrg&ab_channel=АпострофTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209114039/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji637wXgPrg&ab_channel=%D0%90%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%84TV|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 February 2023}}</ref> On 12 April 2023, the brigade's official media resources announced the start of recruitment efforts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=3-тя окрема штурмова бригада оголосила набір добровольців|url=https://censor.net/ua/news/3411661/3tya_okrema_shturmova_brygada_ogolosyla_nabir_dobrovoltsiv|website=Цензор.НЕТ|access-date=2023-04-13|language=uk|last=Цензор.НЕТ}}</ref> In May 2023, it was one of the first to report successful offensives in the Bakhmut district against the Russian Ground Forces.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Украинские военные заявили, что 72-я бригада войск РФ оставила позиции под Бахмутом|url=https://www.golosameriki.com/a/ukraine-bakhmut-developments/7086822.html|website=ГОЛОС АМЕРИКИ|date=2023-05-10|access-date=2023-05-19|language=ru}}</ref>
On 15 September 2023, after months of fighting, the brigade liberated Andriivka,<ref name="DW_2023-09-15">{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/ru/genstab-vsu-podtverdil-osvobozdenie-andreevki-k-ugu-ot-bahmuta/live-66817536 |title=Генштаб: ВСУ освободили Андреевку к югу от Бахмута |trans-title=General Staff: AFU liberated Andreevka south of Bakhmut |publisher=DW |date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=dw.com |language=ru |author=Жан Рофе |quote= }}</ref> and held onto it despite a Russian counterattack on 17 September.<ref name="Institute for the Study of War">{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}</ref> Ukrainian ground forces commander General Syrskyi called Klishchiivka and Andriivka "important elements of the Russian Bakhmut-Horlivka defensive line", and ISW assessed that the capture of these settlements defending a key Russian ground line of communication will make it difficult for the already weary defending forces to replenish and continue defending.<ref name="Institute for the Study of War"/>
=== 2024 === [[File:UA 3rd SABr M113AS4 01.jpg|thumb|Australian M113AS4 in service of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade|312x312px]] In February 2024, shortly after the dismissal of Zaluzhnyi, the brigade was transferred into Avdiivka to relieve the potential encirclement of the city.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ukraine May Have Deployed One Its Best Brigades To Try To Save Avdiivka|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/02/11/ukraine-may-have-deployed-one-its-best-brigades-to-try-to-save-avdiivka/?sh=6364ef3f5e95|access-date=2024-02-11|website=Forbes}}</ref> After the fall of Avdiivka on February 17, the brigade took new defensive lines west of Avdiivka around Lastochkyne.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/968484.html |title=3 ОШБр: У ворога на авдіївському напрямку достатньо сил і засобів для просування далі, Ласточкине - основний напрямок для росіян |website=interfax.com.ua}}</ref> On 17 February, the brigade's press officer, Oleksandr Borodin, claimed that during its relocation to Avdiivka, his unit had killed 1,500 Russians, wounded over 3,500, and destroyed 20 armoured vehicles. He also said that the brigade has "no reports" of large numbers of their soldiers being taken prisoner.<ref>[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/02/17/7442369/ Most troops have left Avdiivka, no large-scale capture of Ukrainian soldiers – 3rd Separate Assault Brigade – video]</ref>
On 27 May 2024, the brigade claimed to have killed, wounded or taken prisoner "close to" 600 Russian troops in Kharkiv Oblast. One Russian soldier captured by the brigade claimed in an interview that he was the only survivor of his 15-man section following an attack.<ref>[https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33460 Kremlin Commanders Undeterred by Losses, Repeat Armor and Infantry Attacks Across Front]</ref> On 19 June, the brigade claimed that their 1st Mechanised Battalion had killed 250 Russians in Kharkiv Oblast, publishing a video that purportedly proved their claims.<ref>[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/06/19/7461527/ 3rd Assault Brigade posts video of killing 250 Russians in Kharkiv Oblast]</ref>
On 22 August 2024, the brigade claimed to have taken {{convert|2|km2|mi2}} in a counterattack against Russia's 20th Army in Kharkiv Oblast. Despite being outnumbered 2.5 to 1, they claimed to have defeated a battalion, including "platoon and company strong points", killing 300 personnel in three days and diverting Russian forces away from Makiivka.<ref>[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/22/7471470/ Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade pushes almost 2 km<sup>2</sup> into Russian-occupied territory in Kharkiv Oblast]</ref>
In November 2024, it was reported that certain units of the brigade's 2nd Assault Battalion were operating in the Kharkiv Oblast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://militarnyi.com/uk/news/na-harkivshhyni-3-oshbr-u-zasidtsi-likviduvala-39-rosiyan/|title=На Харківщині 3 ОШБр у засідці ліквідувала 39 росіян|first=Тарас|last=Сафронов|date=16 November 2024|access-date=5 May 2025|website=Militarnyi|language=uk}}</ref>
=== 2025 === Plans to transform this elite formation to become the III Army Corps began in March 2025, with Andriy Biletskyi expected to retain his billet of commanding officer upon the conclusion of the reorganization process.<ref name=":4">{{cite web | url=https://militaryland.net/news/3rd-assault-brigade-becomes-3rd-army-corps/ | title=3rd Army Corps formed on the basis of 3rd Assault | date=14 March 2025 }}</ref>
In late March 2025, it was reported that units of the brigade, had recaptured the village of Nadiia in the Luhansk Oblast. Biletskyi claimed that this resulted in the destruction of two regiments of Russia's 20th Combined Arms Army: the 752nd and 254th Motor Rifle Regiments, as well as the recapture of {{convert|3|km2|mi2}} of territory.<ref name=23march>{{cite web|title=З ОШБр звільнила н.п. Надія на Луганщині|url=https://censor.net/ua/news/3542739/naselenyyi-punkt-nadiya-na-luganschyni-zvilneno-scho-vidomo-pro-blyskuchu-operatsiyu|date=23 March 2025|access-date=29 May 2025|first=Ірина|last=Дашківська|website=Цензор.нет|language=uk}}</ref> The operation to recapture Nadiia was mainly conducted by the brigade's 1st Assault Battalion,<ref name=23march/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://censor.net/ua/news/3545364/okupanty-aktyvno-shturmuyut-v-napryamku-nadiyi|website=Цензор.нет|language=uk|title=Окупанти намагаються на Луганщині захопити Надію, яку в березні звільнили ЗСУ|first=Ольга|last=Гергелюк|date=6 April 2025|access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> though other units were involved, including the brigade's 2nd Mechanized Battalion<ref>{{cite web|title=Бійці 3-ї ОШБр зачищають перелісок під час звільнення села Надія на Луганщині: "Зараз би колонку і музички навалити, щоб п#дари і вмерли зразу нах#й"|url=https://censor.net/ua/videonews/3548007/boyi-na-luganschyni-zvilnennya-sela-nadiya-u-luganskiyi-oblasti|date=21 April 2025|access-date=29 May 2025|language=uk|website=Цензор.нет|first=Сергій|last=Яковенко}}</ref> and its tank battalion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Бойова робота екіпажу українського танка із 3-ї ОШБр|url=https://censor.net/ua/videonews/3548786/boyiova-robota-ukrayinskyh-tankistiv-likvidatsiya-okupantiv|website=Цензор.нет|language=uk|access-date=29 May 2025|date=25 April 2025|first=Сергій|last=Яковенко}}</ref> The next month, combat continued near the village of Nadiia; the brigade's 1st Assault Battalion, 1st Mechanized Battalion, and 2nd Mechanized Battalion were reportedly involved.<ref>{{cite web|title=Воїни 3 ОШБр знищили пів батальйону російських загарбників на Луганщині|url=https://censor.net/ua/videonews/3545674/3-oshbr-znyschyla-piv-batalyionu-rf-na-luganschyni|website=Цензор.нет|language=uk|date=8 April 2025|access-date=29 May 2025|first=Богдан|last=Русінко}}</ref> Around the same time, units of the 3rd Brigade recaptured the village of Nevske, according to deputy commander {{ill|Rodion Kudriashov|uk|Кудряшов Родіон Олегович}}.<ref>{{cite web|website=The New Voice of Ukraine|language=uk|access-date=4 August 2025|date=15 May 2025|url=https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/peregovori-litniy-nastup-yak-rf-gotuyetsya-ta-yakiy-nastriy-na-peredoviy-kudryashov-novini-ukrajini-50513903.html|title=Після того, як 3-тя штурмова стала армійським корпусом, роботи стало у 10 разів більше — заступник командира|first=Анастасія|last=Одінцова}}</ref>
In a late March 2025 interview, Biletskyi said that the brigade was defending the town of Borova in the Kharkiv Oblast, which he said was a Russian target. The 3rd Assault Brigade was opposed by units of the 1st Guards Tank Army and the 20th Combined Arms Army.<ref>{{cite web|title=3 ОШБр не дала росіянам захопити жодної позиції за останні півтора місяця, - Білецький|url=https://censor.net/ua/videonews/3544046/vorog-ne-maye-uspihiv-proty-3-oshbr-na-harkivschyni-scho-tam-vidbuvayetsya|date=30 March 2025|access-date=29 May 2025|first=Ірина|last=Дашківська|language=uk|website=Цензор.нет}}</ref>
In April and May 2025, it was reported that the 3rd Assault Brigade was holding over {{convert|50|km|mi}} of the front line on the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts, which was reportedly the longest portion of the front held by any Ukrainian brigade across the entire country, and that it had done so for nearly a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/andriy-bileckiy-v-novomu-proyekti-nv-shlyah-vid-sizo-do-azovu-ta-tretoji-shturmovoji-brigadi-50512719.html|language=uk|website=The New Voice of Ukraine|access-date=3 August 2025|date=10 May 2025|first=Максим|last=Бутченко|title=Перший з Третьої штурмової. Як Андрій Білецький не став істориком, а створив дві бойові бригади і тепер очолив корпус}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Кирило|last=Сомов|website=LB.ua|language=uk|access-date=4 August 2025|title=Реформа армії. Що відомо про Третій армійський корпус Білецького|url=https://lb.ua/society/2025/04/25/673029_reforma_armii_shcho_vidomo_pro_tretiy.html|date=25 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=The New Voice of Ukraine|access-date=19 September 2025|url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/biletskyi-on-building-a-new-army-corps-breaking-soviet-habits-and-leading-by-example-50513770.html|date=14 May 2025|first=Demian|last=Shevko|title=How the 3rd Assault Brigade became a model for Ukraine’s future forces}}</ref> Ukrainian military journalist {{ill|Yurii Butusov|uk|Бутусов Юрій Євгенович}} and brigade deputy commander Dmytro Kukharchuk both said the brigade was holding a {{convert|60|km|mi|adj=mid}} front in June and July 2025, respectively.<ref name=butusovjuly>{{cite web|first=Юрій|last=Бутусов|website=The New Voice of Ukraine|language=uk|access-date=4 August 2025|date=28 July 2025|title=Про перші результати бойової роботи 3-го армійського корпусу|url=https://nv.ua/ukr/opinion/butusov-pro-3-tiy-armiyskiy-korpus-shcho-vdalosya-zrobiti-bileckomu-50532936.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=uk|website={{ill|Цензор.нет|uk}}|first=Богдан|last=Русінко|access-date=3 August 2025|url=https://censor.net/ua/news/3559704/u-3-oshbr-vidreaguvaly-na-intsydent-z-azovtsem-korynevychem|title=Заступник командира 3-го АК Кухарчук прокоментував заяву майора "Азову" про побиття: "Бути "азовцем" - це відповідати принципам"|date=24 June 2025}}</ref> Butusov said this represented 5% of the entire active front line in Ukraine.<ref name=butusovjuly/>
During an undated operation, the 3rd Assault Brigade claimed the world's first surrender of enemy soldiers to unmanned drones in the Kharkiv Oblast. Fpv and ground drones were used to attack the Russian positions. As more ground drones approached the position, the Russians opted to surrender. The Ukrainian ground drones then guided the Russians soldiers to the Ukrainian position where they surrendered. The press release read: "For the first time in history: Russian soldiers surrendered to the 3rd Assault Brigade's ground drones,".<ref>{{Cite news |author=Anna Fratsyvir |date=2025-07-09 |title= In historic feat, Ukraine's 3rd Brigade captures Russian troops using only drones and robots, military says |url= https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-assault-brigade-captures-russian-troops-using-only-drones-and-robots-in-historic-operation-military-says-06-2025/ |access-date=2025-07-09 |work=The Kyiv Independent}}</ref>
On 22 December 2025, the 3rd Assault Brigade said that a Ukrainian UGV, equipped with a .50 cal machine gun, held off Russian attacks for 45 days while being operated either remotely or using AI. The first time a position was held solely by an UGV without direct human support.<ref>{{Cite web |author= Matthew Loh |date=2025-12-23 |title= Ukrainian troops say a 'droid' with a .50-cal machine gun held off Russian attacks for 45 days in a row |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/ukrainians-devdroid-tw-50-cal-gun-russians-days-2025-12 |access-date=2025-12-25|website=Business Insider|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Controversies== [[File:Азовські шеврони.jpg|thumb|A backpack with three patches: Azov SSO, the "National Idea" symbol (a ''Wolfsangel'' variation) and the 3rd Assault Brigade]] According to the independent French investigative online newspaper ''Mediapart'', the French army trained soldiers from the 3rd Assault Brigade at the La Courtine camp, in the Creuse in 2023. Several of them displayed neo-Nazi symbols and on their social network profiles, including "Hitlerian salutes, Celtic crosses, emblems of several SS divisions, skulls, pictures of Adolf Hitler". Mediapart asked the French Ministry of the Armed Forces to comment on the matter. The response was "It is the Ukrainian armed forces that organise the flow and selection of Ukrainian soldiers sent to France and Europe. We therefore have no comment to make on this organisation."<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |author=Sébastien Bourdon |title=L'armée française entraîne des néonazis ukrainiens au combat |url=https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/international/220524/l-armee-francaise-entraine-des-neonazis-ukrainiens-au-combat |website=Mediapart|date=22 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |author=Matthieu Terrats |title=Guerre en Ukraine : "Le symbole de la SS tatoué sur le visage", des soldats néonazis ukrainiens entraînés en France |url=https://www.lindependant.fr/2024/05/23/guerre-en-ukraine-le-symbole-de-la-ss-tatoue-sur-le-visage-des-soldats-neonazis-ukrainiens-entraines-en-france-11968774.php |website=lindependant.fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Guerre en Ukraine : croix gammées, tatouage SS… des soldats ukrainiens néonazis entraînés en France ? |url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/2024/05/24/guerre-en-ukraine-croix-gammees-tatouage-ss-des-soldats-ukrainiens-neonazis-entraines-en-france-11971823.php |website=ladepeche.fr}}</ref> The Politician Catherine Couturier protested against the Ministry of the Armed Forces.<ref name="lejdd">{{Cite web |url=https://www.lejdd.fr/international/larmee-francaise-accusee-davoir-entraine-des-neonazis-ukrainiens-dans-la-creuse-145694 |title=L'armée française accusée d'avoir entraîné des néonazis ukrainiens dans la Creuse|date=27 May 2024 }}</ref>
In 2022, the Canadian Army was also criticised for training soldiers of the 3rd Assault Brigade.<ref name="lejdd"/>
In July 2024, the brigade organised a tour through Europe to recruit volunteers and promote their image. After protests from left-wing groups, especially in Germany, events in Berlin, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Cologne and Brussels were cancelled.<ref name="berliner-zeitung">{{Cite web |url=https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/asow-brigade-in-berlin-treptow-ukraine-militaers-sagen-werbetermin-ab-li.2238507 |title=Asow-Brigade in Berlin-Treptow: Ukraine-Militärs sagen Werbetermin ab |website=Berliner Zeitung|date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726082501/https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/asow-brigade-in-berlin-treptow-ukraine-militaers-sagen-werbetermin-ab-li.2238507|archive-date=26 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bz-berlin.de/berlin/treptow-koepenick/linke-protestieren-asow-battaillon |title=Linke protestieren gegen umstrittenes Asow-Bataillon |website=B.Z.|date=25 July 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telepolis.de/features/Ukraine-Krieg-und-NS-Nostalgie-Auftritte-von-Asow-Sturmbrigade-in-Hamburg-und-Berlin-gecancelt-9814171.html |title=Ukraine-Krieg und NS-Nostalgie: Auftritte von Asow-Sturmbrigade in Hamburg und Berlin gecancelt |website=Telepolis|date=26 July 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.radio.cz/protest-prague-against-visit-members-azov-brigade-8824416 |title=Protest in Prague against visit by members of Azov brigade |website=Radio Prague|date=August 2024 }}</ref>
The NGO Promote Ukraine responded to this kind of criticism: "Among the soldiers of the brigade are representatives of different nations—Georgians, Americans, Jews, Armenians, Tatars, Belarusians, Swedes, etc.—who are fighting side by side with Ukrainians to stop the genocide started by the Russian Federation".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.promoteukraine.org/public-statement-of-the-ngo-promote-ukraine/ |title=Public Statement of the NGO “Promote Ukraine” |website=Promote Ukraine|date=July 2024 }}</ref> Indeed, there are reports on Jews serving within the 3rd Assault Brigade, including Hungarian volunteer Benjamin Aser who got killed in the Kharkiv region in May 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-876753 |title='Pray for true peace soon': Hungarian Jew falls fighting for Ukraine, buried in Kyiv |website=Jerusalem Post|date=November 2025 }}</ref> Platoon commander Igor Tish who also served in the Israeli Defense Forces stated in an interview with Ukrainian Jewish Encounter: "The Third Assault Brigade, which separated from Azov, has a very respectful attitude to Jews and other ethnic minorities; they have punishment for saying bad words about nationalities".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ukrainianjewishencounter.org/en/kyiv-jews-defending-ukraine/ |title=Kyiv Jews defending Ukraine|website=Ukrainian Jewish Encounter|date=November 2024 }}</ref>
== Structure == {{Update section|date=May 2026|reason=The unit has expanded and reorganized somewhat since 2024, and the existing citation for this section no longer works}} As of 2024, the brigade's structure is as follows:<ref>{{Cite web |title=3rd Separate Assault Infantry Brigade – Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Units to Watch #1 |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/16955 |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - KyivPost |date=12 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=May 2025}}
{{tree list}} * '''3rd Separate Assault Brigade''', Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast. Brigade executive officer Major Maksym Zhorin since 2023. ** Headquarters & Headquarters Company ** 20px '''1st Assault Infantry Battalion'''. Commander Petro "Rollo" Horbatenko. *** Headquarters & Headquarters Company ***15px 1st Assault Company ***20px 2nd Assault Company ***15px 3rd Assault Company ***15px 4th Assault Company ***Mortar Battery ***Reconnaissance Platoon ***15px FPV Drone Unit "Primus" ***15px Special Reconnaissance and Sabotage Unit "Hatred" ***15px Engineer Platoon ***15px Communication Center "S6" ***15px Medical Platoon ** 20px '''2nd Assault Infantry Battalion'''. Commander Dmytro "Slip" Kukharchuk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/824060.html|title=Military in Mariupol has enough fighters, but they need equipment, aviation – National Corps|website=Interfax-Ukraine}}</ref> *** Headquarters & Headquarters Company ***15px 1st Assault Company ****15px 1st Assault Platoon "Galician" ****15px 2nd Assault Platoon "Algiz" **** 3rd Assault Platoon ***15px 2nd Assault Company ****15px "Decepticons" Platoon ****15px "Wolf Pack" Platoon ****15px "Myron" Platoon *** 15px{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} 3rd Assault Company **** 20px 1st Platoon "NC13" **** 2nd Platoon "Frost" **** 15px 3rd Platoon "Pesto" *** 4th Assault Company *** 15px Shershen Drone Company *** 15px Communications Platoon *** Reconnaissance Platoon *** Engineering and Sapper Platoon *** 15px Medical Platoon ** 20px Reconnaissance and Strike UAV Unit "Hornet" ** 20px '''1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion'''. Formed in February 2022 as 98th Territorial Defence Battalion 'Azov-Dnipro'. Commander Bohdan Korzhenko "Adik". ***Headquarters & Headquarters Company ***1st Mechanized Company ***2nd Mechanized Company *** 15px 3rd Mechanized Company ****FRST Crew *** Reconnaissance Platoon *** 15px Attack Drone Platoon "Revenge Group" ***Armored Group. Commander "Malyuk" ****Separate Anti-Tank Platoon ****1st Mortar Battery. 120mm mortars, Commander "Bald" ****2nd Mortar Battery. 82mm mortars. Commander "Shamil" ***15px Separate Engineering and Sapper Platoon ***Technical Support Platoon *** 15px Anti-Tank Platoon *** 15px Mortar Battery *** Air-Defense Platoon *** Grenade Platoon *** Signals Platoon *** 15px Medical Platoon ** 20px '''2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion'''. Commander Denys "Var" Sokur. ***Headquarters & Headquarters Company *** 15px 1st Mechanized Company **** 15px "Spear" Platoon *** 15px 2nd Mechanized Company. Chief Sergeant "Tarzan" **** 15px "Hydra" Unit *** 15px 3rd Mechanized Company. Commander Oleksandr "Salidol" Vinnikov. ***4th Mechanized Company. Commander "Gerysh" *** 15px UAV Group "Punk". Artillery Spotting, FPV drops. *** 15px UAV Group "Lumiere". FPV drops and kamikaze drones. *** 15px 1st Mortar Battery. 120mm mortars *** 15px 2nd Mortar Battery "Gang of Gunners". 82mm mortars ***Technical Support Platoon *** 15px Fire Support Platoon (SPG-9, Mk 19) *** Air-Defense Platoon *** Reconnaissance Platoon *** Grenade Platoon *** Signals Platoon *** 15px Engineering and Sapper Platoon *** 20px Medical Platoon ** 20px '''1st Rifle Battalion''' *** 1st Rifle Company *** 2nd Rifle Company *** 3rd Rifle Company *** Fire Support Platoon *** Reconnaissance Platoon *** Engineering and Sapper Platoon *** Signals Platoon *** Medical Center ** 20px '''2nd Rifle Battalion''' *** 1st Rifle Company *** 2nd Rifle Company *** 3rd Rifle Company *** Fire Support Platoon *** Reconnaissance Platoon *** Engineering and Sapper Platoon *** Signals Platoon *** Medical Center ** '''International Battalion''' *** HHC ** 20px '''Spanish Storm Company''' *** 1st Storm Company *** 2nd Storm Company *** 3rd Storm Company ** 20px '''Tank Battalion''' ***Headquarters & Headquarters Company *** 1st Tank Company *** 15px 2nd Tank Company "Steel Wolves" ** '''Field Artillery Regiment''' *** Headquarters and Target Acquisition Battery *** Observer Battery *** 15px 1st Self-propelled Artillery Battalion "Commando Postril" *** 15px 2nd Self-propelled Artillery Battalion **** 15px 2nd Artillery Battery "Martial Family" *** 15px Rocket Artillery Battalion (Bastion-01 and Bastion-02) *** 15px Anti-Tank Battalion ****15px 1st Company ****15px 3rd Company "Centuria" **** 15px FPV Drone Unit "Paskuda Group" ** '''Anti-aircraft Defense Missile Artillery Regiment''' ** 20px '''Unmanned Systems Battalion''' (formed in February 2024 as an expansion of UAV group "Kryla")<ref>{{Cite web |title=БЕЗПІЛОТНІ СИСТЕМИ #3ОШБр |url=https://t.me/BBS3AB/29 |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=Telegram}}</ref> *** 15px Aerial Reconnaissance Company "Kryla" *** 15px Reconnaissance and Strike UAV Unit "Fatum" *** UAV Crew "Over Head" *** UAV Crew "Vitrolom" *** 15px Aerial Reconnaissance Unit "Terra" *** 15px UAV Unit "Mosquitos" ** 20px Sniper Platoon "GAR" ** 20px NOVA Technology Center ** Intelligence Company ** 20px Engineer Battalion *** 15px Engineer Reconnaissance Platoon *** 15px Engineer Sapper Platoon ** 20px Logistics Battalion ** 20px Signals Company ** 15px Khorunzha Service ** 20px Maintenance Battalion ** Radar Company ** 20px Medical Company ** Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Company ** FPV Drone Training School "Kill House" ** MP Platoon ** Brigade Band {{tree list/end}}
== References == <references />
{{Authority control}}{{Ukrainian Ground Forces}}
Category:Assault brigades of Ukraine Category:Military units and formations established in 2023 Category:Military units and formations of Ukraine in the Russian invasion of Ukraine