25 may, 2026 | 16

“Motherland” Monument Lit with “Free Azovstal Defenders” message

For Heroes’ Day, the “Motherland” monument was illuminated with the slogan of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine and the call: “Free Azovstal defenders.”

The corps’ slogan appeared on the monument — a quote from Yevhen Konovalets, whose death anniversary coincides with Heroes’ Day.

“Free Azovstal defenders” is a reminder of the heroes now in their fifth year of captivity. Four years ago, they obeyed the order to preserve lives. The appearance of this call on the tallest monument in Europe signals that the fight for their return continues — and will not stop until they come home.

The project was implemented with the support of Azov Prostir and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

1 corps azov 1 corps ngu azov azov azov corps azov prostir corps azov free azov free azovstal defenders heroes day national guard national guard of ukraine день героїв

Reproduction of materials is allowed only with an active hyperlink to azov.army placed within the first paragraph of the text

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.

“Motherland” Monument Lit with “Free Azovstal Defenders” message

Be the first one

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?

Share the article

Azov patrols the border areas around Mariupol

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

The heroes of the past are an inspiration for present and future generations

Polar researchers from the Akademik Vernadsky station joined the international Run the Line event

The Open Tournament in memory of Hero of Ukraine and Azov fighter Vitaliy “Khvat” Blazhko brought together 23 teams

Fighters of the First Corps “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine took part in the “5th UK-UA Defence Tech Forum” in London