118th Territorial Defense Brigade (Ukraine)

The 118th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces (118-та окрема бригада територіальної оборони) is a military formation of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine in Cherkasy Oblast. It is part of Operational Command North.

Formation
On 7 November 2018, the brigade was formed in Cherkasy Oblast. It was created over the course of 3-4 months, based on the existing battalion from Cherkasy, and Colonel Stuzhenko Anatolii was appointed as its commander. The brigade was planned to consist of about 4,000 older reservists, 40–60 years old. The formation included six battalions in Smila, Zolotonosha, Uman, Zhashkiv, Zvenyhorodka, and Cherkasy.

From 5–11 August 2019, the brigade held a large-scale exercise involving headquarters and all six battalions. Troops trained in tactical medicine, engineering training, the basics of topography and communications, and target practice.

On 2 February 2022, commander Colonel Stuzhenko Anatolii announced that the brigade was 70% formed.

Russian invasion of Ukraine
During the first week of March, two battalions were fully staffed with reservists. In April, one brigade unit took part in the Battle of Popasna, helping defend the city for 14 days. The formation was awarded its battle flag on 14 October 2022.

The 157th Territorial Defense Battalion from Zolotonosha operated in the territory of Cherkasy Oblast and was later sent to strengthen neighboring Poltava Oblast. The unit also fought in the Battle of Bakhmut, and in February 2023 fought in the Battle of Vuhledar.

In January 2023, the brigade's units fought in the Battle of Vuhledar.

Structure
As of 2022 the brigade's structure is as follows:
 * Headquarters
 * 156th Territorial Defense Battalion (Cherkasy) А7322
 * 157th Territorial Defense Battalion (Zolotonosha) А7323
 * 158th Territorial Defense Battalion (Smila) А7324
 * 159th Territorial Defense Battalion (Zvenyhorodka) А7325
 * 160th Territorial Defense Battalion (Uman) А7326
 * 161th Territorial Defense Battalion (Zhashkiv) А7327
 * 254th Territorial Defense Battalion А4756
 * Counter-Sabotage Company
 * Engineering Company
 * Communication Company
 * Logistics Company
 * Anti-Aircraft Platoon

Commanders

 * Colonel Stuzhenko Anatolii: 2018–present