112th Territorial Defense Brigade (Ukraine)

On 20 December 2017, a meeting between military commissariats of Kyiv city, Kyiv Oblast and Operational Command North took place. Its purpose was to train staff regarding procedures for formation and organization of the brigade.[2]

In Spring 2018 the brigade was formed in Kyiv. Lieutenant Colonel Bilosvit Mykola became its first commander. Brigade needed a core of regular soldiers and 4,000 reservists aged 40–55 year old.[3] By November only 4.5% of needed contracts were signed with 30% needed by the end of the year. By the end of 2019 all 100% of positions needed to be filled.[4] From 11 to 15 June a rifle company of the 127th Territorial Defense Battalion held training exercises for reservists in Desnianskyi District.[5][6] During 14–15 December 2018 a training exercise for officers of headquarters and battalions was held, where they planned defending Kyiv.[7] 6 larger districts of Kyiv had their own battalions, while the remaining 4 formed other units.[8]

During 14–19 April 2019 another larger scale training exercise for officers of headquarters and battalions was held, where they planned defending Kyiv. This exercise included more reserve officers.[9]

On 13 March 2021 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko with his deputies took part in a training exercise at the Desna training center.[10]

On 18 May 2021 only 300 reservists had signed contracts with the Brigade. Over 3,000 were needed to fully staff brigade.[11] By October that number increased to 350 contract soldiers and close to 4,000 overall.[12] On 21 December another exercise took place and a number of 5,000 soldiers was announced. With a battalion being formed in every district.[13]

On 7 February 2022 Brigade already had 9 battalions and held large exercise with all of them.[14]

During first day of invasion, Brigade was fully filled with reservist, who manned hundreds of roadblocks.[15] On 27 February brigade had filled all available vacancies in all its battalions. Since there was abundance of volunteers, a decision was made to raise a new brigade in Kyiv.[16] On 14 April 2022 Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi issued a decree that transformed 241st Territorial Defense Battalion into the headquarters of new 241st Brigade.[17] Battalions 130, 204, 205, 206, 207 were transferred to 241st Kyiv City Defense Brigade.

Brigade was active in Battle of Kyiv, Battle of Hostomel, Battle of Brovary, Battle of Moshchun, Battle of Bucha, Battle of Irpin, Capture of Chernobyl, 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, 2022 Kherson counteroffensive and Battle of Bakhmut.[18]

206th Territorial Defense Battalion was raised for defense of Kyiv and was equipped and financed by former president Petro Poroshenko. Deputies and supporters of European Solidarity party joined the battalion. During first week of fighting battalion took part in defense of Obolonskyi District during Battle of Kyiv. In following days fought in Battle of Hostomel and evacuated women and children during Battle of Irpin.[19]

207th Territorial Defense Battalion began forming in January and was formed on 27 February 2022. It was commanded by Yushko Viktor.[20]

On 2 April a special security company was raised for protection of critical infrastructure. During a military oath ceremony, Vitali Klitschko noted that 7 members of Kyiv City Council joined the company.[21]

On 6 June Mayor of Brovary Ihor Sapozhko announced that 250 soldiers took oath with the 55th special purpose battalion.[22]

128th Territorial Defense Battalion was deployed to Chuhuiv in May and remained there as of early August.[23]

244th Territorial Defense Battalion has been active since at least middle of July.[24]

On 29 August the brigade received its battle flag.[18]

In October the 11th Special Purpose Battalion was stationed near Pravdyne and later near Snihurivka. As of 03 April 2023 battalion was still in Kherson area.[25]

On 19 April 2023 Come Back Alive foundation announced that brigade received 3 pick-up trucks, radios, generators, Starlink terminals and other equipment for the "Long arms of TrO" project deigned to give 120 mm mortars to those units.[26]