1st Operational Battalion 20th Operational Brigade “Lubart”

The 1st Special Operations Battalion was formed primarily from servicemen of the 5th Azov Special Forces Battalion—soldiers hardened by combat experience, discipline, and loyalty to their military brotherhood. Yuriy Pankiv (call sign “Strichkod”) was appointed commander of the newly formed unit.

On October 18, 2025, the 1st Special Operations Battalion deployed to the Pokrovsk direction—one of the hottest sectors of the front. From the very first days of their deployment in the combat zone, the unit’s personnel have demonstrated a high level of training, composure, and coordination while carrying out combat missions.

The battalion’s main tasks include conducting defensive and stabilization operations, holding occupied positions, and ensuring control over a designated section of the front. Aerial reconnaissance using UAVs plays a significant role in the unit’s operations, enabling soldiers to detect enemy movements, adjust fire, and ensure a rapid response to changes in the combat situation.

The unit also searches for and destroys enemy personnel and equipment using available weapons, supports adjacent defense forces, and carries out combat missions under conditions of constant tension and high-intensity combat operations. Thanks to the discipline, combat experience, and coordinated efforts of its personnel, the 1st Special Operations Battalion continues to effectively carry out its missions on one of the key sectors of the front.