The 118th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces () is a military formation of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine in Cherkasy Oblast. It is part of Operational Command North.
History
Formation
On 7 November 2018, the brigade was formed in Cherkasy Oblast. It was created based on the already-existing battalion from Cherkasy. The creation process took 3-4 months. 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 to 11 August 2019, the brigade held a large-scale exercise involving headquarters and all six battalions. Troops learned 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.
Russo-Ukrainian War
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
During the first week of March, two battalions were fully staffed with reservists. In April, one unit of the brigade took part in the Battle of Popasna, where they helped with the defense of the city for 14 days. The formation was awarded its battle flag on 14 October.
The 157th Territorial Defense Battalion from Zolotonosha performed its direct role in the territory of Cherkasy Oblast. Later, it was sent to strengthen neighboring Poltava Oblast. The unit also fought in the Battle of Bakhmut, and in February 2023, it 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