On September 29, 2024, the former commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade (OMBr), Ivan Vinnik, published an appeal to the military after his dismissal from his post. Colonel Vinnik, who had led the brigade since the summer of 2022, expressed gratitude to his team for their support in difficult service and difficult challenges.
The commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians, Colonel Ivan Vinnik, was appointed to a higher position. The officer addressed his comrades and thanked them. The brigade's press service reported this on Facebook.
“Gentlemen officers, sergeants, soldiers! From the summer of 2022 to today, I had a long and difficult path. But it was not difficult, because I did not overcome it alone. There was a loyal and motivated team by my side. Thank you to each and every one of you for your patience, will, and strength. Thank you for listening, hearing, speaking, and suggesting. Thank you for the joint struggle. Thank you for being there. I appreciate it very much!” said Ivan Vinnik.
According to him, it is an honor for him to be part of the “Black Zaporozhets”, while the bond that has formed between them will remain forever.
“Learn. Fight. Don't give up and confidently walk towards our Victory,” he added.
Vinnik's appointment to another position: what is known
On September 20, the North Command announced that the commander of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Brigade, Ivan Vinnik, had been appointed to a higher position for promotion and transfer of combat experience.
"Colonel Vinnik is an example of a true and honest combat officer, an experienced and humane commander. Under his leadership, the brigade went through a difficult path, but it worthily held the defense lines assigned to it. First there was Bakhmut, then Vugledar, where in January-February 2023 the brigade was able to repel one of the largest offensives during the Russian-Ukrainian war," the report says.
As a reminder, on September 25, the media reported that the fighters of the 72nd Separate Brigade were allegedly retreating from Vugledar in Donbas. However, at that time, the servicemen noted in a conversation with Focus that they were holding on.
On September 26, a soldier from the 72nd Motorized Rifle Brigade denied the brigade's withdrawal from Vugledar, Donetsk Oblast. He noted that despite the heavy assaults and circumstances, the fighters remain in place.
