1st corps NGU «Azov»
About the Corps
The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is an operational and tactical formation established on the basis of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov.
It comprises brigades of the National Guard of Ukraine that have been battle-hardened through fierce combat across various sectors of the frontline.
The newly formed corps includes:
- 1st Presidential Operational Brigade Bureviy;
- 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov;
- 14th Operational Brigade Chervona Kalyna;
- 15th Operational Brigade Kara Dag;
- Newly established 20th Operational Brigade Liubart.
The First Corps Azov was created to provide centralized command over the National Guard combat units, enhance their combat effectiveness, and facilitate the execution of joint combat operations. The unified deployment of units within the corps will strengthen both defensive and offensive capabilities in designated sectors.
Key tasks of the First Corps Azov:
- Liberating the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine;
- Destroying enemy personnel, weapons, and equipment;
- Developing the profession of arms within the National Guard of Ukraine and improving unit combat readiness;
- Implementing standards and exchanging experience.
The establishment of a corps-based structure meets the demands of wartime by ensuring coordinated actions, unified command, and a shared area of responsibility, which enables more effective command and control of combat units and supports the strategic objectives of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Commander
Denys "Redis" Prokopenko
The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is led by Colonel Denys “Redis” Prokopenko.
He began his service in the Azov Battalion on July 11, 2014, and participated in all combat operations of the unit’s summer campaign, including the battles of Marinka, Ilovaisk, and Shyrokyne.
During the Pavlopil-Shyrokyne operation, “Redis” commanded the 1st Company. From the start of his military service, Denys Prokopenko’s personal qualities were recognized by his commanders.
In 2017, at the age of 26, he became the commander of the Azov Regiment — making him the youngest commander in the history of both the National Guard of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As commander of the Azov Regiment, Denys Prokopenko placed strong emphasis on personnel training. Every course began with instruction or refresher training in modern first aid protocols — knowledge that proved crucial during the defense of Mariupol, saving numerous lives. His most significant achievement was transforming Azov from a volunteer unit into a professional military formation aligned with modern military standards.
On April 7, 2025, Denys Prokopenko was appointed Commander of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.
