Formation of a howitzer battalion of the Joint Special Operations Forces.
Brigade Artillery Group 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”
About unit
The Artillery Brigade was established at the same time as the brigade itself. However, the unit is the historical successor to the howitzer battalion that was part of the Azov Special Operations Forces, which was formed on January 10, 2015. Therefore, this day is considered Azov Artillery Day.
The Artillery Brigade is a unique unit distinguished by its versatile structure and high degree of autonomy. This is due to the specific nature and complexity of the tasks facing the Artillery Brigade.
The unit includes a wide variety of artillery systems: barrel and rocket artillery, self-propelled and towed artillery systems, as well as larger and smaller calibers. All of this requires an appropriate organizational structure.
The Artillery Brigade comprises three battalions (self-propelled, howitzer, and artillery reconnaissance) and several separate batteries. The unit has its own air defense, signal, and medical services. In addition, the Artillery Brigade has an extensive system of various support units.
A key strength is the well-established system of training and professional education for soldiers. The unit systematically conducts its own sergeant and warrant officer courses, as well as other training schools, which enable it to provide the unit with its own specialists.
Military-civilian cooperation is highly organized. The Brigade Artillery Group maintains contact both with the families of its soldiers—including those who are prisoners of war or have been killed in action—and with the patriotic public. The unit regularly holds public events—both for recruitment and aimed at supporting and strengthening the bond between the military and society.
Symbols
History
The most significant event was the division’s participation in the Pavlopil–Shyrokyne offensive.
During this period, fighting is taking place along the Svitlodarsk arc.
The unit took part in the defense of Mariupol.
The key events of this period included the artillery unit’s successful participation as part of the BTGr in the battles for Mala Tokmachka on the Zaporizhzhia front during the summer counteroffensive, as well as the unit’s rapid expansion.
A new phase in the development of the BrAG is beginning. This marks the start of the campaign in the Serebryansky Forest and the BTGr in the area around the village of Terny in the spring of 2024.
The period of combat operations in the Toretsk and New York sectors. The Brigade was deployed to carry out missions in one of the most challenging sections of the front, providing support to units and engaging enemy targets.
A new phase in the development of the Azov Special Forces Brigade, marked by the formation of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov” and the arrival of a new commander.
Commander
Bogdan “Vog” Tsymbal
CaptainHe joined Azov in 2020 when he turned 18. He graduated from the Basic Combat Training Battalion in the top three of his class, so he was able to choose his unit—he chose the artillery. At 18, he became a gun commander. He fought in Mariupol, sustained several serious injuries, was evacuated by helicopter from Azovstal, and returned to duty three weeks later. He participated in relief operations, served in the infantry, reconnaissance, and artillery, and worked with UAVs.
In 2024, Bohdan Tsymbal was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented with the Order of the Golden Star. In May 2025, at the age of 23, he took command of the 12th Azov Brigade’s artillery group.
His story is the story of a new generation of Ukrainian commanders. A generation that endured Mariupol, injuries, and encirclement—and returned to the ranks to continue the fight.
