Sunday16 February 2025
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Star and half-moon on the insignia of a Ukrainian brigade: which emblem symbolizes the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade (photos, videos).

The slogan of the brigade is "We have the right by the sword."
Звезда и полумесяц на шевроне украинской бригады: как герб стал символом 54 ОМБр (фото, видео)

Ukrainian military heraldry often imitates the coats of arms of notable figures from Ukraine's history. The 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received its name in honor of the distinguished Ukrainian military and political leader, the Hetman of the Zaporozhian Host. Therefore, this symbol is featured in its insignia.

On the brigade's chevron, the "Kurch" coat of arms is depicted, which was previously used by the Volhynian princes Kurcevychi, descendants of the Gediminas dynasty. This coat of arms has become a symbol not only of the noble families of Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine but also of Hetman Mazepa himself. The brigade's motto is a line from Ivan Mazepa's lament: "Preze shabli mayem pravo". This call serves as a reminder of the readiness to defend one's rights and freedoms with arms in hand.

Символика 54 ОМБр им. Ивана Мазепы Символика 54 ОМБр им. Ивана Мазепы0

Some units within the brigade have their own chevrons. In particular, these include the K-2 and "Donbass" battalions.

Символика 54 ОМБр им. Ивана Мазепы1 Символика 54 ОМБр им. Ивана Мазепы2

History of the 54th Brigade

The primary location of the brigade is the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, under the command of the operational command "East". On May 6, 2020, the brigade officially received the honorary title in honor of Ivan Mazepa. For its dedicated service and bravery during combat missions, on December 6, 2022, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the 54th brigade the honorary badge "For Courage and Valor". During the full-scale invasion, the brigade participated in battles in Krasnohorivka, Soledar, Maryinka, Siversk, and more.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on the chevron featuring a golden arrowhead. The insignia of the separate motorized infantry brigade also contains the coat of arms of the Cossack ataman Kostya Hordiienko.