4th Rapid Reaction Brigade (Ukraine)

Soldiers of the 4th Brigade in 2016.

Although the Brigade was established on 2 June 2015, actual recruitment of personnel to the brigade started in October 2015.[3] The unit was trained by foreign military advisers and veterans in conformity with NATO standards.[4]

On 2 June 2016, the formation was presented its colours.[1] According to pro-Russian website Essence of Time, on 19 June 2016 President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko decided to send the Brigade to Donbass.[5]

The Brigade was reportedly involved in fighting against a Russian Airborne Troops air assault in the Battle for Antonov Airport, located at outskirts Kyiv in Hostomel, on 24 February 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[6] The 4th Brigade's fast reaction and counter-attack prevented the airport from being captured by the Russian forces on the first day, and helped to prevent the airport being used to airlift more troops and capture the capital Kyiv. As a result, the Kyiv Offensive turned into a slog fought in the city's northwestern metropolitan areas in Hostomel, Bucha and Irpin.[7]

The Brigade includes;

• Brigade HQ
• 1st Infantry Battalion
• 2nd Infantry Battalion
• Tank Battalion
• Artillery Battalion
• Anti-aircraft Missile Battalion
• Support Units

The brigade also includes the units of UAV aircraft, intelligence, communications and logistics.[1] Both soldiers with combat experience and new recruits were accepted to the Brigade.[2]