From concept to unique unit emblem: How the Ministry of Defence designs military insignia

The Ministry of Defence is systematically developing military insignia. In the context of full-scale war, insignia serve not only as a means of unit identification but also as tools for shaping identity and sustaining morale.

This domain is overseen by the Department for Military Insignia and Heraldry within the Central Directorate for the Development of Logistics Support.

“This Department is where the core elements of military unit insignia are created — their shoulder sleeve patches. These modern and unique emblems of the Ukrainian military reflect a blend of historical tradition, regional identity, and the mission-specific focus of each unit,” said Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Kaiola, Head of the Central Directorate for Logistics Support Development at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

Military units, military command bodies, educational institutions, and organizations and entities under the Ministry of Defence are entitled to their own shoulder sleeve insignia.

Both modern and traditional elements are incorporated into the creation of the shoulder sleeve insignia. The design must adhere to a cohesive artistic style, considering the traditions and heritage of Ukraine’s historical military formations, the location of the military unit’s base, and other relevant factors. Additionally, the color scheme should be consistent with the military branch (or Force) to which the unit belongs.

A team of professional historians and artists works on the military unit’s insignia.

Once an insignia sketch has been coordinated with the unit, it is submitted for review to an expert council composed of leading historians, artists, and technologists of Ukraine. 

The shoulder sleeve insignia of the military unit is approved only after this process, by either the Minister of Defence of Ukraine or the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, depending on the unit’s subordination. From January to June 2025, 110 shoulder sleeve insignia underwent review and approval.

Examples of shoulder sleeve insignia reflect strong conceptual design and rich symbolism:

• The shoulder sleeve insignia of the 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade embodies the symbolism of a mechanized unit, inspired by references in the ‘Primary Chronicle’ describing the legendary campaign of Prince Oleg the Wise of Kyiv against Constantinople, during which Oleg ordered his soldiers to mount ships on wheels.
• The insignia of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after Anna of Kyiv, represents its honorary name and the specific characteristics of its formation in France.
• The insignia of the 19th Army Corps, formed on the historic territory of the Black Sea Cossack Host, uses symbols from their first flag, which, according to historical accounts, was preserved during the destruction of the Zaporizhian Sich.

In the context of the current full-scale war, military insignia has become an indispensable element of the state’s information, ideological, and moral defense.