The 9th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, formerly known as the 9th Separate Marine Regiment is a military unit of the Russian Ground Forces. Until January 1, 2023, it was part of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR). It is attached to the 1st Donetsk Army Corps.[1]
The 9th Separate Marine Regiment was formed in 2016 by a special decree of the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko. The name of the unit was based on the Soviet 221st Rifle Division which fought during World War II. By 2017, the regiment had over 1,200 soldiers and was equipped with T-72 tanks, BMP-2s, and BTR-80s.[2] In 2022 the regiment took part in the siege of Mariupol.[3] In 2023 the regiment was reformed into the 9th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade and became attached to the 1st Donetsk Army Corps. Following the battle of Avdiivka, the brigade was thanked by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in a congratulatory telegram.[4] The brigade is currently involved in the 2024 Kharkiv offensive.[5]
Russia
Russian Ground Forces
1st Donetsk Army Corps
