New brigades of the “Offensive Guard” will be formed in Ukraine – Klymenko

2 May, 2023 Training of "Offensive Guard" soldiers.

2023. Photo credits: National Guard of Ukraine Ukraine has completed the formation of eight assault brigades of the "Offensive Guard" from volunteers.

After receiving a combat mission, the units will be reporting to the Defense Forces Command. Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, announced this in his interview with Interfax-Ukraine. The Minister also shared that now, additional units will be formed.

"The brigades ['Offensive Guards'] are fully formed. These are eight brigades. We have plans to form additional ones because there is a demand for it, and we have the capabilities," Klymenko said.

Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Photo credits: Ministry of Internal Affairs

Soldiers of these units are already preparing to perform combat missions against the Russian invaders. They have a high level of motivation. "We are re-equipping the already formed brigades, they will undergo the needed training - this will take two or three weeks - and at the same time, we are starting to form additional units," the Minister clarified.

According to Klymenko, the task of each of these brigades is to conduct respective offensive and assault actions together with the Defense Forces of Ukraine during military operations. "The success of the operation in the specific direction will depend on each brigade, each unit, each serviceman and policeman," the Minister said.

Training of "Offensive Guard" soldiers.

2023. Photo credits: National Guard of Ukraine

The Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not specify the total number of brigades, considering the security issues.

As previously reported, at the beginning of February, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine started forming eight assault brigades of the "Offensive Guard" as part of the National Police, the State Border Service, and the National Guard. On the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky presented battle flags to the newly formed "Offensive Guard" brigades. The solemn ceremony took place in the Sofia Square in Kyiv.

The "Offensive Guard" recruiting campaign officially ended on April 1, but the possibility of continuing to accept applications was considered.