On 12 June 2014, following the start of the War in Donbass, the Bohdan Company was established in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.[1] The company was formed exclusively from volunteers, including many former law enforcement officers and veterans as well as those from "peaceful" professions like drivers, millers and even a poet.[2] In July 2014, the company's personnel underwent intensive training.[3] The training included long-distance hikes in wooded and rugged terrain and automatic weapons practice amongst others.[4] On 12 July 2014, the company was deployed to the ATO zone.[5][6] On 20 July 2014, officers of the Bohdan Company detained a politician from Sloviansk, wanted for involvement in the Donetsk People's Republic apparatus. He was then handed over to the Security Service of Ukraine.[7] It was initially a part of the Svyatyi Mykolai Battalion.[8] In mid-August 2014, about 50 more soldiers of the Company went to the ATO zone.[9] On 16 August 2014, some soldiers of the Company returned from the ATO zone to Khmelnytskyi.[10] On 30 September 2014, 50 personnel of the Company left for Vuhlehirsk where they protected the area near Debaltseve and conducted law enforcement operations.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it saw combat against Russian forces. In April 2022, it became a part of Zakhid Battalion which in 2023 became a part of the Liut Brigade. It is currently fighting on the frontlines.[11]
Ukraine
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Zakhid Battalion