128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade
The 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, established in 2024 in Odesa on the basis of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade. It is commanded by Colonel Dmytro Palamarchuk and is structured around heavy mechanized battalions and a tank battalion, equipped primarily with Western-produced heavy armour. The brigade has been engaged in combat operations in Ukraine since its formation, including on the Pokrovsk axis.
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Zelenskyy says Ukraine holds more territory than Russia has taken since autumn, pushes back on Gerasimov's Zaporizhzhia claims
In his evening address on October 18, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces have liberated more territory since the start of autumn than Russia has captured, and that the same trend has held in other periods of 2025. He pushed back on claims by Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, asserting that Russian forces are being engaged about 20 km from Zaporizhzhia, not 5 km as Russia claims, and that several named settlements remain under Ukrainian control.