Forbes magazine recently highlighted the potential deployment of Ukraine’s elite 3rd Assault Brigade to Avdiivka, drawing on a Telegram post by General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who leads the Tavriya group of forces. In his post, Tarnavskyi detailed the enhancements being made to Avdiivka’s defensive positions, including strengthening the blocking line, creating additional firing points, and deploying “fresh effective forces.”
Despite the absence of a direct mention of the 3rd Assault Brigade in Tarnavskyi’s update, speculation about this unit’s involvement has been fueled by its recent status and strategic positioning. Before these developments, the brigade was in reserve in eastern Ukraine, positioning it as a ready and capable force for rapid deployment to areas like Avdiivka facing increased military pressure.
The 3rd Assault Brigade, a key component of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO), consists of members from the Azov group who were not trapped in the siege of Mariupol at the beginning of the conflict. These individuals, initially part of various independent, far-right militant groups, were later integrated into the SSO, collectively referred to as SSO Azov. By November 2022, an announcement was made to merge these units into the singular 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. The brigade has earned acclaim for its role in several key battles, especially around the Bakhmut region, where its operational achievements have greatly elevated its status and recognition.
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