AZOV REGIMENT

Azov Regiment: The Transformational Period Between a Battalion and a Brigade. The Power That Was Predetermined

For many, the starting point of today’s war with the russian federation is mistakenly considered to be February 24, 2022. However, the real beginning, which fully revealed the aggressor’s intentions and its appetite for Ukrainian lands, occurred almost exactly ten years prior to the full-scale invasion. With russian forces stealthily entering Ukrainian territory without formally declaring war, the Ukrainian Armed Forces met the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in a near-critical state. Demotivation and a lack of combat readiness played a key role during the annexation of Crimea, as seen in military units that offered no resistance, instead waiting passively for directives from Kyiv.
Until the Defense Forces began a period of reform and modernization, newly formed volunteer units assumed a central role in defense. One of these units became the much-needed catalyst of change, transforming not only Ukraine's military but also its society.

Change Is Brought by Those Brave Enough to Embrace It

The Azov Regiment was born in the first chaotic month of the Donbas war, a time rich in the creation of volunteer units. On May 5, 2014, in the city of Berdyansk, the regiment began its journey. Its baptism by fire came with the liberation of Mariupol, a strategically important port city and key to establishing a land corridor from russia to the already-annexed Crimea.
Mariupol had been prepared for the same fate as Donetsk and Luhansk, with the seizure of the city council and a sham referendum orchestrated by militants. However, a lightning-fast operation by Azov, alongside the Dnipro-1 Battalion and units of the National Guard and Ministry of Internal Affairs, brought the city of half a million back under the blue and yellow flag.
This operation marked the first major victory following the capture of eastern cities by sabotage groups. It demonstrated the potential of Ukrainians who, without proper training or equipment but armed with a sense of justice, honor, and willpower, refused to succumb to terror. Mariupol's liberation was not just a milestone in the city's history but also a defining chapter for Azov.
Then, as a newly formed battalion, it quickly proved itself through active combat (the battles of Ilovaisk), successful operations (the liberation of Marinka), and the elimination and capture of terrorist leaders. Within five months, Azov had attracted the attention of both potential recruits and military leadership, who recognized its discipline, organization, and unwavering dedication.

Azov Regiment and the Path to Further Achievements

On September 17, 2014, by order of Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, the battalion was reorganized and expanded into a regiment. By November 11, it was incorporated into the National Guard of Ukraine. These steps were critical, as they provided the Azov regiment with resources to grow and match the level of the nation's existing special forces.
Despite being in an active formation stage, Azov was immediately tasked with executing special operations in its sector. The creation of a headquarters, reserves, and training programs was accompanied by the acquisition of combat vehicles, leading to the formation of a tank unit and an artillery division.
On January 24, 2015, russian forces shelled Mariupol’s eastern district with Grad rocket launchers, killing 30 civilians and injuring over 100. Against the backdrop of heavy frontline losses, this event became a turning point for Azov fighters. The decision was made to launch an offensive along the Shyrokyne-Pavlopil line to secure Mariupol, protect it from further shelling, and restore the honor of Ukrainian arms.
The Pavlopil-Shyrokyne operation is not only one of Azov’s accomplishments but also a significant milestone for Ukraine. It remains the most successful offensive of the ATO era, resulting in the liberation of a substantial portion of the frontline.
While the operation cost the lives of 14 Azov fighters, it solidified the regiment’s reputation as a force capable of achieving victory through calculated and decisive actions. It also increased the number of those eager to join, even as the regiment’s closed staffing policy limited new recruits. The plan to reorganize Azov into a brigade was announced by the then-commander during the first-anniversary celebration of Mariupol’s liberation.
The enemy, recognizing the growing threat, made Azov a primary target of its propaganda. russia invested massive resources into a campaign filled with myths and false narratives, including claims about indoctrination and ritualism among Azov's personnel. These manipulative claims often distorted the activities of Azov’s Historical Service, the first ideological support structure of its kind in Ukraine. This service focused on honoring fallen soldiers, supporting their families, and delivering lectures on military history and culture.
Far from the accusations, Azov’s commitment to tradition and identity helped forge a powerful and cohesive unit. The regiment’s inclusivity, selecting members based on their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty rather than religion or political views, dismantled much of the propaganda.
Over the next four years the formation would enter a period of intense self-improvement. The Azov regiment created its own training ground and became one of the first in the Ukrainian Armed Forces to adopt NATO standards and protocols. Simultaneously, Azov fighters actively participated in operations along the OOS frontline, bolstered public safety during potential provocations (Odessa), and secured critical checkpoints (Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk).
A pivotal moment came on August 14, 2017, when a new commander, Denys Prokopenko (“Redis”), took the helm. A symbol of Azov's spirit and strength, Redis became an undeniable leader and figure of authority for the regiment.
By January 2019, the battle-hardened regiment returned to the frontlines near the Svitlodarsk Bulge, conducting combat operations alongside Ukraine’s 30th Mechanized Brigade. Over eight months, Azov delivered devastating blows to pro-russian forces, advancing the frontline.
The Azov regiment’s last major campaign before the full-scale invasion cemented its status as the most capable unit within Ukraine’s Defense Forces. It became clear that Azov was not just a part of modern history but also a force that would shape it.
Despite the challenges Azov has faced, new trials and transformations awaited as the enemy launched another invasion under the guise of its so-called "special military operation." True sons of Ukraine, sworn to defend their homeland to the last drop of blood, once again took up arms. Against overwhelming odds, they defended the city that marked the beginning of their legacy. This episode, which might have been the regiment’s final chapter, instead became a new beginning: the formation of the 12th Azov Special Operations Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.