Andrii Kroka Takes Command of the 155th Brigade: What We Know About the New Leader.

Command Handover Ceremony

According to Espreso.tv: Andrii Kroka received the Battle Flag of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv during a formal change-of-command ceremony. He has served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since March 2014 and, as of January 2025, was commanding a mechanized battalion within the same brigade. This event marked a significant moment for the troops, who continue their service amid a tense operational environment.

Background and Military Career

Born on October 23, 1987, in Kostopil, Rivne Oblast, Andrii Kroka graduated from the National University of Water and Environmental Engineering in 2010. Throughout his military career, he has proven himself as an experienced commander, successfully leading a mechanized battalion. In September 2025, he was awarded the honorary 'Steel Cross' distinction, underscoring his contributions to national defense.

During the handover ceremony, Andrii Kroka expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him:

“Thank you for your trust. It is a great honor for me to accept the Battle Flag of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv.” - Andrii Kroka

He also remarked: “This banner symbolizes your resilience, courage, and indomitability,” highlighting the importance of morale among the soldiers.

The command transition took place against the backdrop of a criminal investigation involving Kroka's predecessor, Stanislav Luchanov. Luchanov took command of the 155th Brigade in February 2026, but at the end of June 2026, nine brigade soldiers were detained on suspicion of kidnapping two civilian brothers. On July 13, 2026, Luchanov was arrested in Kyiv, and a court imposed a preventive measure. These events add further context to the new chapter in the brigade's history now led by Andrii Kroka.

The handover of command of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna of Kyiv to Andrii Kroka highlights not only a change in leadership but also the challenges the brigade faces during wartime. Following the investigation involving his predecessor, the new commander must not only maintain combat morale but also rebuild trust among personnel and the public. Kroka aims to preserve the brigade's resilience while carrying out critical missions in the difficult situation unfolding in the region.