About the unit
Tactical Group “Nenavyst” is a volunteer combat unit within the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence (HUR MO).
Our purpose is fraternal assistance to the people of Ukraine in defending the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state; active participation in weakening and ultimately destroying the so-called “russian federation”; and securing Kozakia’s right to self-determination in fact rather than in name, together with its defence.
Tactical Group “Nenavyst” is the ideological successor of the First Free Cossack Detachment and serves as the combat wing of the Yertaul movement.
History, combat path and traditions
How it started
The Free Cossack Detachment formally came into being on 8 February 2024; unofficially it dates from the first battles fought by Cossack nationalists of the Ertaul movement within Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR), that is, from 14 September 2023.
TGr “Nenavyst” began its combat path in February 2022 as a group of volunteers who came out of the “Pert” volunteer unit.
In 2023 the NGO “Nenavyst” was formed — a national-patriotic organisation whose main purpose was to raise a new generation of young people for a new special-operations unit.
Combat path
Only episodes already released officially appear here. Directions, dates and places that still carry security weight do not.
- Sep–Oct 2023
Positional fighting on the Svatove axis
- 29–30 Oct 2023
Assault and capture of positions in front of the coke plant, Avdiivka
- Feb 2024
Holding the “road of life” on the Avdiivka axis
- 12–19 Mar 2024
Battle for the village of Kozinka, Belgorod region
- May 2024
Fighting for Vovchansk
- Sep 2024
Clearing operation at the Aggregate Plant, Vovchansk
- Mar–Apr 2025
Fighting on the Kupiansk axis
- Jun–Jul 2025
Fighting for Sumy region
- Nov 2025
Fighting in Donetsk region
- Winter–spring 2026
Fighting in Zaporizhzhia
Traditions
The greeting
“Glory to Kozakia! / Glory to the Cossacks!”, answered with “Glory!”. Part of the daily ritual, given with a fist to the heart in the Azov manner; a forearm clasp counts as the same greeting.
Fist to the heart
Mandatory while the anthems are sung, and when taking leave of fallen brothers.
Form of address
Fighters address one another as “stanychnyk”. In writing this may be shortened to “st.” before a name or callsign.
Lineage
Inherited from the Free Cossack Movement founded in 1927. It marks allegiance to the independence tradition and ties the unit to the generations who fought for it before us.
The insignia
Unit structure
TGr “Nenavyst” is part of HUR MO of Ukraine.
Only the general shape is published. Strength, callsigns and locations are not disclosed.
Elements
Danylo Krueger Swarm
Reconnaissance-sabotage group “Aeneas”
Operates separately.
UAV Swarm
Support
Analytics
Rear service (volunteer service)
Internal security group
Questions and answers
The questions we are asked most often.
Does applying mean I am being mobilised?
No. Until basic training is complete, every recruit has the full right to leave the course — by striking the symbolic bell in front of the formation, which signals the wish to go.
Is contacting a recruiter confidential?
Yes. Your personal details are not disclosed to anyone except the recruiter.
What happens after I apply, and how long until someone calls?
Someone will contact you within a few days, via Telegram, Signal or WhatsApp.
Can I choose my own role?
Yes — and more than that: once you are with the unit you can pick a role from those available, according to your preferences, after a set procedure.
Are there non-combat roles?
Yes, there are.
Which roles are open to women?
Subject to approval from higher command there are no restrictions, but you must understand every risk that combat carries. It is decided case by case.
What is the difference between a contract and mobilisation?
Mobilisation lasts until the end of the special legal regime. A contract is normally for a fixed term, can be re-signed, and can be terminated on lawful grounds.
Is the “Contract 18-24” scheme available?
Not at the moment, but we are working towards it.
Can I transfer from another unit?
Yes.
Do I need my current commander’s consent?
It is preferable.
Do you accept people returning from unauthorised absence?
It is decided case by case.
How long is training?
Standard basic training runs 45 days. Range work and training within the unit continue for the whole term of service: every fighter keeps raising their qualification and professional competence.
Is there a physical fitness test on entry?
Yes. The standards are:
- Push-ups (30 seconds)
- Squats (30 seconds)
- Knee tucks in the plank position (30 seconds)
- 10-metre shuttle run (30 seconds)
To pass you need at least 60 points (repetitions) in total across the whole test. We can make an exception for hard-to-fill roles that are not combat-related.
3 km run, 10 kg pack.
- Excellent
- 10:50.
- Good
- 11:30.
- Satisfactory
- 14:30.
5 km run, 10 kg pack.
- Excellent
- 20:00.
- Good
- 21:00.
- Satisfactory
- 24:30.
10 km forced march, 10 kg pack.
Pass — 1 hour 15 minutes (pace 7:30).
Is the medical board mandatory? Do you take people after injury?
Yes, you go through the medical board together with our representative from the unit. And yes, we take people after injury.
Which documents do I need?
Basic set of documents (for Ukrainian citizens):
- Ukrainian passport or ID card, plus a residence registration extract
- Taxpayer number (RNOKPP)
- Military registration document (military ID, temporary certificate or registration certificate)
- Education documents (diploma, school certificate, professional certificates)
- Medical record, plus personal medical documents for the medical board
- Documents on marital status and family composition (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates and so on)
- Certificate of no criminal record (the full one, available via the Diia app)
- A written biography
If you have them: driving licence, combat veteran certificate, service reference.
Citizens of other countries, in particular Russia and Belarus, need:
- An international passport
- A written biography
- To pass a polygraph test
Is my civilian job protected?
Under Article 119 of the Labour Code it is, and so is your place of study. Your pay, however, comes in full from the unit.
Do you accept foreign nationals?
Yes.
What should I bring with me?
Besides personal belongings, it is worth bringing:
Toiletries
Underwear
Thermal underwear
A tracksuit
A sleeping bag
Seasonal hiking boots
Seasonal trainers
Seasonal clothing
If you are a foreign national, do not bring anything of military purpose — there is a high risk of being stopped from leaving Russia or Belarus, or from entering third countries.
Contact
Write to us by email — the unit answers, not a bot.
Contact with reconnaissance group “Aeneas”
A separate contact channel for the reconnaissance-sabotage group.
- Proton
- drg_aeneas@proton.me
- Session
- 054ff7b9f05110feb37b05b2391da010e69002f09b09e6a7399e9a6276fdd4835e
Press enquiries
Journalists can write to the same email.
Applying does not mean you are being mobilised.
Ready?
Fill in the form. A recruiter will get back to you.