72nd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)

The 72nd Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians is a mechanized infantry brigade formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. It was founded during World War II as 29th Rifle Division (2nd formation) of the Soviet Ground Forces. In 1943 it was restructured as the 72nd Guards Rifle Division of the Soviet Ground Forces. In 1957, it became a motor rifle division. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the 72nd Guards Mechanized Division of the Soviet Ground Forces became the 72nd Guards Mechanized Division of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In 2014, the brigade participated in the Ukrainian-Russian war in Donbas as part of the so-called Anti-Terrorist Operation. In summer of 2014, units of the brigade fought hard on the Russian-Ukrainian border, in the Azov region, and, in winter of 2016, in the industrial zone near Avdiivka.

In August 2017, the brigade received an honorary title after the military formation of the Ukrainian People's Republic, the Black Zaporozhian Cavalry Regiment.

The brigade is actively protecting Ukrainian territory in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The brigade participated in battles in the Kyiv Oblast and in the Donbas.