NGU AZOV

National Guard of Ukraine, NGU Azov Brigade, and the Ongoing Struggle for Independence

Defending sovereignty has always been a challenge for Ukraine. While the status of its military formations has changed, the goal remains unchanged: to protect the people and the land.

One such formation is the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), a force that combines military defense with law enforcement duties. Acting as a key rapid-response force, it bridges the gap between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and law enforcement agencies, ensuring the state’s integrity.

NGU draws on centuries-old military traditions, continuing the legacy of warriors who fought for Ukraine’s independence. Among its ranks is the renowned NGU Azov Brigade, a symbol of unbreakable will, professionalism, and battlefield excellence.

The first historical precedent for NGU dates back to the State Gendarmerie of the West Ukrainian People’s Republic (1918), which maintained public order and internal security. Similar formations existed in the Ukrainian People’s Republic and later in the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which fought against occupiers while enforcing order in liberated territories.

The Birth of a Force

After gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine faced an urgent need to establish its own armed forces. The Soviet internal troops it inherited were ill-suited for a sovereign state, making it necessary to create a military structure that combined defense and law enforcement functions.

On August 30, 1991, the Presidium of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the creation of the Republican Guard, tasked with taking control of internal troops in Ukraine. However, with the election of Ukraine’s first president, this concept was revised.

On November 4, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada passed the Law "On the National Guard of Ukraine", officially establishing NGU as a military force with law enforcement authority. Its core tasks included:

• Protecting sovereignty

• Securing strategic facilities

• Countering terrorism

• Crisis response operations

Beyond its military duties, NGU played a key role in reviving Ukrainian military traditions and reinforcing national identity. In its early years, it engaged in conflict resolution and law enforcement, notably in Crimea (1992-1994), where pro-russian movements were already gaining strength.

From Dissolution to Revival: The Struggle Continues.

In the early 2000s, the Ukrainian government made a controversial decision to dissolve the National Guard of Ukraine. On January 11, 2000, the Verkhovna Rada disbanded NGU, transferring its functions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The reasons for this decision included:
Budget constraints – The government sought to reduce defense spending.
Administrative reform – Aimed at eliminating overlapping functions.
Political motives – NGU’s independence from the MVS was seen as undesirable amid increasing centralization.

The consequences of this move were severe. Ukraine lost a highly mobile and combat-ready force, a capability it would desperately need in the years to come.

By the spring of 2014, Ukraine was again in crisis. Following russia’s annexation of Crimea, Moscow escalated its hybrid warfare tactics, launching sabotage, subversion, and proxy warfare in eastern Ukraine. At that moment, Ukraine’s security forces were unprepared for modern warfare.
On March 13, 2014, the Verkhovna Rada reinstated NGU, reviving a structure capable of responding to immediate threats.

By April 2014, newly formed NGU units were already fighting to liberate Kharkiv’s regional administration from russian-backed militants. Soon, NGU played a vital role in the defense of Mariupol, Sloviansk, Popasna, and other key cities.

Among the most significant developments was the formation of volunteer battalions, which became the backbone of Ukraine’s defense. One of them was Azov, created in May 2014. The unit quickly proved its effectiveness, securing decisive victories in Mariupol, Marinka, and beyond. Within five months, Azov NGU was expanded into a regiment and formally integrated into NGU.

From its reorganization onward, NGU Azov pursued its path, focusing on elite training, NATO-standard operations, and tactical superiority. Despite being under NGU command, Azov stood out for its autonomy, professionalism, and battlefield effectiveness. Its leadership in training, combat strategy, and unit coordination made it a model for not only NGU units but also the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ZSU).
From Shyrokyne to the Svitlodarsk battles, Azov’s operational footprint expanded, solidifying its legendary status within NGU and beyond.

An Unbreakable Shield: National Guard of Ukraine Forces and Azov NGU in the Current War

On February 24, 2022, NGU units, including Azov NGU, were among the first to engage russian forces. From Kyiv and Hostomel to Kharkiv and the eastern front, NGU gunners, infantry, and special forces held key positions, countered enemy breakthroughs, and neutralized diversionary groups.

The defense of Mariupol and the heroic resistance at Azovstal became defining moments, showcasing Ukrainian resilience at its strongest. Under relentless shelling, outnumbered and undersupplied, Azov and NGU fighters fought until the last round, proving to the world what true resistance looks like.
Recognizing NGU’s essential role in the war, Ukraine launched the "Offensive Guard" initiative in 2023, forming seven elite assault brigades to liberate occupied territories.

Today, NGU is more than just a security force—it is an offensive powerhouse, fighting alongside Ukraine’s Armed Forces. As Ukraine continues its fight for independence, the National Guard remains at the forefront—holding the line, striking the enemy, and proving that true strength lies in unwavering resolve.