The 1st Independent Heavy Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army suffered a major blow in the Sumy region, leaving only one battalion, with the remaining structure incorporated into the 71st Independent Airborne Brigade.
Previously known as the 1st Tank Brigade, which was inherited from the Soviet Army in 1992 and stationed in Chernihiv Oblast, it is one of the oldest tank units in the Ukrainian Army.
Since the summer of 2024, along with the 3rd and 4th Tank Brigades, it underwent "heavy mechanization" reorganization, marking the complete elimination of the traditional tank brigade level in the Ukrainian Army. After the reorganization, its name became the "1st Independent Heavy Mechanized Brigade" (1-ша окрема тяжіша механізована бригада), and it was assigned to the rotating combat command (OSC) of the "North" or "East" operations command.
In the Sumy direction, it has become one of the main fronts. The Russians have shifted to an offensive, launching attacks on Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian army suffered heavy losses because the command did not issue orders to retreat, hoping to hold the positions. At the same time, generals in Kyiv are demanding punishment for those commanders who suffered the heaviest losses. The situation in the Sumy direction is intriguing, and the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is considering removing Colonel Oleg Mogulsky, the commander of the 1st Independent Heavy Mechanized Brigade, due to heavy losses. The brigade tried to stop the Russian advance but failed, losing most of its forces. In fact, the brigade now has only one battalion, which has been incorporated into the 71st Independent Air Assault Brigade.
The 1st Independent Heavy Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army has lost its combat capability in the battle against the "Northern" group, and has been withdrawn to the rear for recovery and personnel replenishment. The commander is likely to be removed from his position, citing the cause of significant losses. According to Ukrainian sources, "The Ukrainian Army's 1st Independent Heavy Mechanized Brigade, which suffered significant losses, has been withdrawn to the rear to replenish its losses, but one battalion has been placed under the command of the 71st Independent Air Assault Brigade. Discussions are ongoing regarding the removal of Colonel Oleg Mogulsky's position."
The units of the Russian "Northern" group are maintaining a high-speed advance in the Sumy direction, and two operational areas have formed in Sumy and Krasnopolsk.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853728651834372/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.