A Weary Ukrainian Brigade Held Off Russia's Huge 90th Tank Division ... For 6 Months

The 72nd Mechanized Brigade has a reputation for enduring long, grueling fights

An M-109 howitzer from the 72nd Mechanized Brigade. 72nd Mechanized Brigade photo

The Ukrainian army’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade was one of the key units defending Kyiv during the early weeks of Russia’s wider invasion of Ukraine. After the Russians retreated from north-central Ukraine in the spring of 2022, the brigade rushed east—ultimately arriving in the town of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast.

What followed was one of the epic battles of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Starting in January 2023, the 72nd Mechanized Brigade’s thousands of troopers “relentlessly defended the city until October 2024, when the remnants of the brigade withdrew from the bastion,” Militaryland recalled.

Vuhledar fell as the Russians brought to bear their superior numbers and firepower. But the 72nd Mechanized Brigade wasn’t done fighting. In some ways, its next battle was its most daunting. And it just ended … in a veritable draw.