Territorial Defense Forces
The history of the Territorial Defense Forces dates back to 2014, when territorial defense battalions were part of the Land Forces, but they truly began to unfold on January 1, 2022. A brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces was established in each region, and a battalion in every district. Additionally, four regional commands with support units were created.
On February 24, 2022, people of various ages, genders, and experiences took up arms. Farmers, businesspeople, journalists, builders, programmers—people from all walks of life—put their lives on hold and bravely stood to defend Ukraine. Overall, during the first month of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 110,000 servicemen joined the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
From the early days of the large-scale invasion, Territorial Defense units were on the front lines. Alongside other Defense Forces units, territorial defenders protected Kyiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv, held the defense of Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia, courageously fought in Kherson and Mariupol, and defended Bakhmut. The fighters of the Territorial Defense Forces liberated Kyiv and northern Ukraine from russian occupiers, raised flags over liberated towns and villages, and now fight on all fronts of the russian-Ukrainian war.
Today, the Territorial Defense Forces units not only include infantry but also mechanized groups, aerial reconnaissance units, mortar teams, and conduct sapper training at a high level. In addition, the training centers of the Territorial Defense Forces offer courses for nearly all levels of command staff, as well as training for chaplains and their assistants.
The Territorial Defense Forces' patch—a crenellated wall—symbolizes the defense of one's home, native land, and Motherland. In ancient times, when threatened, militia fighters would gather at fortifications to repel enemy attacks. This wall symbolizes the protection of one's territory. The motto of the Territorial Defense Forces, "Ready to Resist!" aptly characterizes the fearless warriors who fiercely fight for their homeland.
Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major General PLAKHUTA Ihor Viktorovych.
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