On November 13, 2023, the “Karna” Rapid Deployment Battalion was formed as part of the 22nd Separate Brigade “Kyivska Rus” of the National Guard of Ukraine. A large portion of the officer corps came from the first volunteer battalion named after General Kulchytsky. On February 8, 2024, they began their first combat duty in the “Sokil” group, under the command of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov.”
Ground Robotic Systems Battalion “Karna”
About unit
The “Karna” Ground Robotic Systems Battalion is part of the 41st ‘Pilum’ Unmanned Systems Regiment—a specialized unit within the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov.” The “Karna” Ground Robotic Systems Battalion specializes in carrying out combat and logistical missions. In a short time, the unit established its own workshop for the modernization and maintenance of ground robotic systems and streamlined the logistics operations of supply points and logistics hubs. Deliveries of supplies to combat positions are carried out regularly. The unit also conducts evacuation missions for personnel from the combat zone. We have experience in operating many types of RRCs, established cooperation with manufacturers, and exchange expertise with leading specialists in this field.
The philosophy of the “Karna” Ground Robotic Complex Battalion is based on continuous development and the search for the best solutions for deploying RRCs on the battlefield.
Symbols
History
The brigade was reorganized into companies by function: the 120th and 82nd mortar batteries, a fire support company, an unmanned systems company, and a logistics company. They carried out direct combat missions in their area of responsibility under the command of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov.”
In January 2026, the entire “Karna” battalion of the 22nd Separate Brigade for the Protection of Diplomatic Missions and Consultative Bodies of Foreign States “Kyivska Rus” joined the “Pilum” Unmanned Systems Battalion. The personnel took their places in their respective units—Bombers, FPV, Wings—and the majority of the personnel assumed responsibility for the development of ground-based robotic systems within the 41st “Pilum” Unmanned Systems Regiment, part of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov.”
Transition to a specialized unit for ground-based robotic systems, effective May 2026.
Commander
Oleg "Beret" Tregub
Lieutenant ColonelHe has been serving in the National Guard of Ukraine since 2011. He participated in the anti-terrorist operation and the Joint Forces Operation.
In 2015, he participated in the international exercises “Fearless Guards” and “Rapid Training.”
In 2017, he earned the right to wear the “Beret with Distinction.”
In 2018, he participated in the international exercises “Force to Force,” a training course for special rapid response units held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
At the start of the full-scale invasion, he participated in operations to ensure national security, defense, and the repulsion and deterrence of armed aggression by the Russian Federation in the Kyiv region (Moshchun). In 2024, he successfully completed a military leadership course for company commanders in Grafenwöhr, Germany. Awarded the “Firearms” distinction by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
In 2025, “Beret” became the commander of the “Karna” Special Operations Battalion of the 22nd Separate Brigade “Kyivska Rus” of the National Guard of Ukraine, and currently the commander of the “Karna” ground robotic systems battalion within the 41st “Pilum” Unmanned Systems Regiment.
