1st Corps “Azov” National Guard of Ukraine

The introduction of an army corps system within the Ukrainian Defense Forces was a response to the enemy’s numerical and organizational superiority in conditions of full-scale war. Azov’s command actively advocated for such a system. In a statement dated November 17, 2024, Brigade Commander Denys “Redis” Prokopenko outlined the benefits of establishing army corps — including unity of command and improved troop management processes. The decision to create the corps system was announced by the President of Ukraine on February 3, 2025.

First Corps Azov was established on March 7, 2025. The Corps comprises the 1st Presidential Operational Brigade Bureviy, the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov, the 14th Operational Brigade Chervona Kalyna, the 15th Operational Brigade Kara Dag, and the 20th Operational Brigade Lubart, established in April. All had a proven history of cooperation with the Azov brigade across various sectors. In early 2026, the 8th Separate Artillery Brigade Harmash of the National Guard of Ukraine was formed within the Corps.

On August 4, 2025, First Corps Azov assumed command of units in the Dobropillia sector. At that point, the enemy had broken through the battle formations of Ukrainian Defense Forces units; however, the coordinated actions of the Corps’ units and attached forces under Corps command made it possible to stabilize the situation. From August 4 through December 29, 2025, confirmed irrecoverable enemy losses in the Corps’ area of responsibility totaled 12,492 personnel, with a further 8,346 wounded and 185 taken into captivity. 93 tanks, 314 artillery systems, and hundreds of additional pieces of equipment were destroyed or damaged. Successful containment of the enemy has continued into 2026.