3rd Separate SOF Regiment named after Prince Sviatoslav the Brave
The 3rd Regiment is one of the most prestigious and combat-ready units of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine. Since the first days of the war in 2014, the regiment's operators have been performing the most difficult tasks — from deep reconnaissance to special actions behind enemy lines. Briefly, the unit distinguished itself in the battles for Donetsk Airport, Savur-Mohyla, Ilovaisk, Debaltseve, and since 2022 — in the Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson operations. The regiment has international experience, has undergone joint training with NATO units, and participates in peacekeeping missions.
Unit symbols
Emblem:
The emblem of the 3rd SOF Regiment has the shape of a dark gray shield with a red wedge at the bottom. The central symbol is a stylized silver-gray werewolf's head with a red eye, symbolizing strength, speed, endurance, and Cossack kharakternyks. On the red field at the bottom of the shield is the princely bident of Sviatoslav the Brave, emphasizing the continuity of military traditions. The regiment's motto "I come against you!" comes from the battle cry of Prince Sviatoslav, symbolizing the determination and courage of the warriors.
Colors:
black, silver, burgundy
Honorary name:
named after Prince Sviatoslav the Brave
Formation and Heritage
The 3rd Regiment was created in the 2000s on the basis of the 10th Separate Special Purpose Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, now on October 4, the day the 10th Brigade was established, the regiment honors its veterans. The regiment celebrates its Unit Day on August 22, as it was on this day in 2018 that it was awarded the honorary title "named after Prince Sviatoslav the Brave", the legendary commander of Kievan Rus, who personifies courage, determination, and offensive spirit.
"I come against you," — the words of Prince Sviatoslav the Brave became the main motto not only of the unit, but of the entire Special Operations Forces. The unit operates according to NATO standards and has a high level of training and interoperability with allies.
The warriors of the "three" have become a symbol of experience and cold efficiency. Technical reconnaissance, electronic warfare, anti-drone systems, information work, and analytics — this is exactly about them. "We do not celebrate victories — we move to the next target," they say in the unit.
International Experience and Peacekeeping Missions
The 3rd SOF Regiment participates in joint exercises with the armies of NATO countries, mastering modern methods of combating terrorism, assault actions, and special reconnaissance. Service members of the unit have peacekeeping experience participating in operations under the auspices of the UN — in the Balkans, Africa, Iraq, and other hot spots around the world. This experience became invaluable during the war with russia, as it allowed for the creation of highly professional groups to operate in the most difficult conditions.
War since 2014: Crimea and Donbas
The first major test was the year 2014. After the start of the occupation of Crimea by russia, units of the 3rd Regiment performed reconnaissance tasks on the peninsula and developed plans to counter the seizure. With the outbreak of hostilities in Donbas, the regiment's operators acted in the most dangerous directions: Izvaryne, Donetsk Airport, Savur-Mohyla, Ilovaisk, Debaltseve, Kramatorsk.
They conducted reconnaissance, withdrew troops from encirclement, provided communications and logistics, and held strategic sites. Of particular note is the operation to capture and hold Donetsk Airport, which became a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainian warriors.
Full-Scale War since 2022
From the first days of the russian invasion, the 3rd SOF Regiment has been operating in key areas of the front:
Defense of Kyiv: destruction of enemy columns of equipment and aircraft, battles for Hostomel, Borodianka, Brovary.
Kharkiv counteroffensive: liberation of Balakliya, Izium, operations for reconnaissance and clearing of the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant.
Zaporizhzhia direction: surveillance of enemy columns, destruction of equipment, adjustment of artillery fire.
Donbas: battles in Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Avdiivka, Kurakhove, halting the offensive on Pokrovsk, striking the command post of the 35th Brigade of the rf in Selydove
South: participation in the liberation of Kherson, destruction of enemy columns attempting to break through to the South Ukraine NPP.-
North: the regiment's unmanned systems took air control over the land logistics route to Crimea
Sumy direction: aerial reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, destruction of enemy armored vehicles on its territory. Thanks to the regiment's reconnaissance, strikes were carried out on oil depots and military facilities of the rf, weakening the enemy's rear forces.
Heroes and Successors
Every warrior of the 3rd Regiment is an example of resilience and honor. The unit remembers the fallen Heroes, continuing their cause. Today, the regiment's fighters perform combat missions on all sectors of the front, remaining a symbol of professionalism, courage, and brotherhood.
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