Oleksandr Okhrimenko

Oleksandr Okhrimenko is a Ukrainian military officer currently serving as the commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, also known as the "Black Zaporozhians." He was appointed to this position on October 7, 2024, succeeding Ivan Vinnik, who had led the brigade during significant combat operations in Donbas, including the defense of Vuhledar.12

Background and Military Career

• Age: Approximately 40 years old.
• Service Start: Okhrimenko has been involved in military operations since the onset of conflict in Eastern Ukraine in 2014, participating in various battles along the frontline, including in Luhansk and Donetsk regions.12
• Previous Commands: Before leading the 72nd Brigade, he commanded the 14th Mechanized Brigade, where he played a crucial role during the early stages of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. His leadership was instrumental in operations around Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv oblasts.13

Recent Developments

Under his command, the 72nd Brigade has faced significant challenges, particularly during their withdrawal from Vuhledar due to overwhelming enemy forces. Okhrimenko has been vocal about the difficulties faced by his troops, including a reported troop ratio of nearly 1:9 in favor of Russian forces, which complicated their defensive efforts.3 His leadership approach emphasizes adapting to new challenges and maintaining troop morale amidst ongoing combat operations.

Current Role

As commander of the 72nd Brigade, Okhrimenko is tasked with leading his unit into future engagements against Russian forces while implementing new strategies and operational goals.23 His appointment comes at a critical time as Ukrainian forces continue to adapt to evolving battlefield conditions.

For more detailed professional insights and updates on his career, you might find his LinkedIn profile under the username okhrimenkoalexander.