23 may, 2026 | 13

Azov Representatives Addressed the Latvian Parliament on Countering Russia in the Cognitive Dimension

The conference, organized through the joint initiative of the Defense Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, the NGO Support Azov Latvia, and First Corps Azov, was held for the first time within the walls of the Saeima. It brought together Corps servicemembers, strategic communications specialists, NATO StratCom representatives, and Latvia’s senior military and political leadership.

Discussions covered Russia’s cognitive warfare strategy, the practical implementation of the “total defense” doctrine, and the role of media and education in countering Russian narratives.

By challenging Ukraine’s borders and the authority of international institutions, Russia is contesting the very framework of rules on which the world order rests. An empire that has not accepted its own death does not need victory. It needs chaos, in which its voice can once again be heard.

Arsen “Lemko” Dmytryk

Colonel, Chief of Staff of First Corps Azov

The Azov delegation also participated in a closed session with representatives of defense committees from nine Northern European and Baltic nations.

Представники 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» беруть участь в офіційному заході в Латвії

Спільне фото української делегації та латвійських партнерів під час офіційної зустрічі

Представник 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» виступає під час офіційної зустрічі в Латвії

Делегація та учасники заходу переглядають презентацію 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» у конференц-залі в Латвії

It is important to understand: Russia will act on its own timeline. Any rhetorical concessions made under the logic of ‘not provoking’ are a reflexive control trap and a strategic threat to European nations.

Oleksandr “Abrek” Chornyi

12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” servicemember

The visit highlighted the need for new coalitions ensuring partner engagement with Ukraine across all dimensions of a new total war. The Commander of Zemessardze, Brigadier General Aivars Krjukows, cited the already-established partnership between First Corps Azov brigades and Zemessardze brigades as a model of effective cooperation.

1 corps azov 1 corps ngu 1 corps ngu azov 12 azov brigade abrek arsen dmytryk azov azov brigade azov corps corps azov lemko national guard national guard of ukraine oleksandr chornyi

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FAQ

Unlike the operational and tactical group model, a corps commander can exercise command and control over subordinate units.

The corps system enables more efficient management of combat forces at the operational-tactical level. It addresses the issue of fragmented command structures, strengthens unit cohesion, improves combat effectiveness, and ensures a unified chain of command — critical for conducting large-scale combat operations.

The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is responsible for key tasks related to both defensive and offensive operations in the frontline sector designated by the High Command, including:

Liberating the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine;
Destroying enemy personnel and equipment;
Increasing the combat effectiveness of National Guard units and advancing the profession of arms;
Implementing standards and exchanging experience.

The First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is commanded by Brigadier General Denys “Redis” Prokopenko.

The following units operate as part of the corps:

1st Presidential Operational Brigade “Bureviy”;
8th Artillery Brigade “Harmash”;
12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”;
14th Operational Brigade “Chervona Kalyna”;
15th Operational Brigade “Kara Dag”;
20th Operational Brigade “Lubart”;
41st Unmanned Systems Regiment “Pilum”.

Yes. Units within the corps continue recruiting volunteers. As Azov’s responsibilities and operational scope grow, its recruitment center network will serve the needs of all Corps units. Azov Brigade’s recruitment centers will now be joined by representatives from other brigades that make up the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.

The 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov serves as the foundation for the newly established First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine. However, the corps itself is led by a corps-level command group formed based on the officer cadre of the 12th Brigade.

Azov Representatives Addressed the Latvian Parliament on Countering Russia in the Cognitive Dimension

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FAQ

Why was the corps system introduced?

What tasks will the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine carry out?

Who is the commander of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine?

What units comprise the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine?

Does the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine recruit new service members?

Is the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine expanding into a corps?

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