Colonel Mykita Vitek Appointed Commander of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade
In a significant development for Ukraine’s military structure, Colonel Mykita Vitek has been appointed as the new commander of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynsky. Vitek, who previously served as an instructor at the Odessa Naval Academy and commanded the Odessa Territorial Defense Brigade, steps into this pivotal role that marks a notable milestone in his military career, which began in this very brigade.
Expressing his sentiments on social media, Colonel Vitek conveyed both pride and a sense of duty in his new position: “Returning to the unit where I started my military career, I am honored and pleased to take command of this glorious brigade.”
Born in Khaspre, near Yalta, Vitek embarked on his military journey after graduating from a military lyceum in Alushta. He furthered his education at the Sumy Institute of Missile Troops and Artillery. Following his initial command experience leading a mortar platoon in Crimea, he was forced to leave the occupied peninsula in 2014 and continued his service in Mykolaiv.
Since 2017, Vitek has been sharing his expertise as an instructor at the Odessa Naval Academy. In 2022, he took command of one of the battalions of the 126th Territorial Defense Brigade, where he earned a reputation for leading a powerful and effective unit within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He succeeds Colonel Viktor Sykoza, who led the 36th Brigade from May 2022 until April 2024, bringing his extensive experience and leadership skills to an already esteemed unit. Colonel Vitek’s return to a brigade that holds personal significance for him is expected to bolster its operational effectiveness as it continues to play a crucial role in defending Ukraine’s interests.
