Ukraine’s Assault Guards Expand to a 40,000-strong Force
The Ukrainian government has disclosed that the professional assault brigades, known as the Assault Guards, have grown to roughly 40,000 personnel. This total includes women who serve among the ranks. The information appears to be drawn from statements by Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Igor Klymenko, as reported by Reuters. The figure underscores a significant expansion of paramilitary formations associated with law enforcement structures and their integration into the broader defensive effort. Reuters notes that Klymenko described these units as featuring a mix of backgrounds and experiences, signaling a broad recruitment strategy meant to bolster on the ground readiness.
Official descriptions from Kyiv indicate that new brigades assembled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs will operate in concert with units of the regular armed forces. The plan, outlined in the reporting, emphasizes joint operations and coordinated action with the standard military formations. The aim is a unified front that can respond to evolving battlefield dynamics and support conventional units in ongoing operations, according to the reporting attributed to Klymenko.
According to Klymenko, the ranks include women, individuals who previously served in police or military roles, and even some recruits with no prior military experience. The messaging from Kyiv highlights this diversity as part of a broader strategy to broaden the pool of manpower available for regional defense and rapid-response tasks. This inclusive approach is presented as a way to provide the brigades with a wide range of skills and perspectives, which could translate into different operational capabilities on the ground. Reuters carries Klymenko’s remarks reflecting the ministry’s intent to harness both seasoned personnel and fresh entrants in a concerted effort to adapt to current security challenges.
The article points out that the Assault Guards are expected to participate in counteroffensive actions against the Russian Armed Forces in the coming weeks or months. While exact timelines remain uncertain and dependent on battlefield conditions, the reporting frames the brigades as a flexible reserve capable of contributing to a broader initiative to push back at enemy advances and stabilize frontline positions. The focus appears to be on accelerating mobile operations, reconnaissance, and targeted actions designed to disrupt enemy supply lines and command structures where feasible, all within the framework of national defense planning described by the press coverage.
Several brigades are identified by evocative names, each intended to convey a distinct identity and mission focus. The collection includes formations titled Hurricane, Spartan, Chervona Kalina, Frontier, Rage, Azov, and Kara-Dag. These designations reflect an effort to build esprit de corps and a clear symbolic language that can resonate with troops and supporters alike. The naming strategy is presented as part of a broader organizational culture meant to foster cohesion, morale, and a sense of purpose among volunteers and professionals who have joined these units. The branding also aligns with the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ broader communication strategy that seeks to convey resolve and readiness to both domestic audiences and international observers, as reported by Reuters.
Earlier in the discourse, a State Duma deputy from Crimea, Mikhail Sheremet, suggested that the Ukrainian Assault Guards would be arriving soon and warned of a severe fate for adversaries. The statements quoted in the coverage reflect ongoing debates about the pace and impact of these formations within the wider regional security dynamic. Observers note that while such claims can influence public perception and deter potential aggression, the practical deployment and operational effectiveness of these brigades will depend on a range of factors, including coordination with regular forces, logistics, and the evolving battlefield environment as described in the reporting. Reuters remains the primary source for these developments and the framing of the brigade expansion in the current security context.