The Wasp Battalion: How the wasp became a symbol for Ukraine's air defense forces.

They protect the sky. "Telegraph" continues to introduce readers to the distinctive insignia of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This time, we will discuss the 38th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment named after General Horunzhy Yuri Tyutyunnyk, whose chevron is hard to confuse with others.

The symbol of the regiment is a golden wasp with silver stingers and wings, which appeared there for a reason. Specifically, it indicates the regiment's use of the "Osa" anti-aircraft missile systems. The red background of the chevron signifies its affiliation with the missile troops and artillery.

What is known about the regiment

The 38th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment named after General Horunzhy Yuri Tyutyunnyk is an essential unit of the air defense of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, based in the town of Chornomorske in the Odesa region.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the regiment has provided air defense for the coast of Odesa, as well as the strategic cities of Mykolaiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Kherson. Additionally, its units have participated in the protection of critical infrastructure in Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy. The regiment was awarded the honorary badge "For Courage and Bravery" in 2024.

The regiment is named after Yuri Tyutyunnyk — an outstanding general of the UNR army, who played a significant role in the Ukrainianization of the Russian army, and established the Ukrainian Military Club, which became the foundation for the 1st Simferopol Regiment named after Hetman Doroshenko. He was one of the initiators of the First Winter Campaign, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross and received the rank of general.

Previously, the Telegraph reported that chevrons can feature not only real creatures but also mythical ones. For example, the insignia of the 71st Separate Brigade features Simargl.