The “Nachtigall” Battalion was established in 2023 as part of the 14th Unmanned Systems Regiment. The unit was formed primarily of experienced soldiers transferred from the Army, the Airborne Forces, and the Special Operations Forces. Many of them had served since the Revolution of Dignity and the ATO. Their combat experience and years of service in patriotic organizations laid the foundation for the battalion’s leadership and served as the basis for a subsequent successful recruitment campaign, which began in July 2023.
Unmanned Systems Battalion “Nachtigall” 20th Operational Brigade "Lubart"
About unit
Formed in 2023, “Nachtigall” brought together marines, Airborne Forces, Special Operations Forces, and other combat units that were actively training and honing their skills in the field of unmanned systems. Throughout its existence, the unit has successfully carried out combat missions and inflicted significant damage on the enemy in the Kherson, Donetsk, Kursk, and Zaporizhzhia sectors.
As part of the “Lubart” Brigade, the “Nachtigall” Battalion will bring together operators, engineers, technicians, and analysts to deploy and operate modern robotic systems, as well as to effectively engage the enemy and save the lives of their comrades.
Symbols
History
The unit’s identity and name were finalized during the fighting in the Kherson region. “Nachtigall” (Nightingale) symbolizes the continuity of the national liberation struggle and honors the legacy of Roman Shukhevych. The name directly reflects the battalion’s mission: the combat deployment of unmanned aerial systems. The personnel are ideologically committed to continuing the legacy of the UPA and upholding the combat spirit of the Ukrainian military.
The battalion has fought its way through the fiercest sectors of the front, carrying out missions in the Donetsk, Sumy, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia sectors. Its participation in the Kursk Operation stands out as a distinct chapter in its history. From the very first day of the operation, “Nachtigall” operated in coordination with Airborne Forces units, ensuring the highly effective use of UAVs. The versatility and expertise of its operators have enabled the unit to become a significant force in modern drone warfare.
A new phase in the unit’s development began with its incorporation into the 20th “Lubart” Rapid Deployment Brigade of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov.” Its integration into the Azov family underscored the battalion’s high combat effectiveness and shared ideological values. As part of the brigade, “Nachtigall” continues to build its technical capabilities, combining modern unmanned systems technology with the traditions of the Ukrainian nationalist movement.
Commander
Dmytro "Kholod" Kolyada
MajorHe began his military career in 2015 as a volunteer (OUN, “Carpathian Sich”), fighting in the battles for the Donetsk Airport. Starting in 2022, he commanded a unit at the 73rd Naval Special Operations Center, participating in the liberation of the Kherson region and the operation in Krynky. He later led the “Nachtigall” battalion, commanding it during the Kursk operation. Recipient of the “Silver” and “Knight’s” Crosses. An experienced officer who combines Special Operations tactics with the latest UAV technologies to strengthen his unit’s combat effectiveness.
