The unit fought in battles for Shyrokyne, Pavlopil, Vodyane, Chermalyk, Maryanka, Avdiivka, Zolote, Novotroitske, and the Svitlodarsk arc.
Special Forces Reconnaissance Detachment 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”
About unit
The unit’s history began in the summer of 2016, when a friend known as “Mechanic” formed a special-purpose reconnaissance group, bringing together the best fighters from the Azov Regiment—men with extensive combat experience, high physical fitness, and a reputation for bravery and dedication to their cause. From that time until now, the training and support of the reconnaissance fighters have set the standard that special forces from other military units strive to match.
To join the unit, candidates had to pass a physical test consisting of running, pull-ups, and the Cooper test, and had to endure three rounds of sparring. The unit constantly practiced scenarios for search and sabotage operations, ambushes, and raids. They studied the specifics of using various types of small arms, grenade launchers, and cannons, and learned engineering and sapper skills.
Symbols
History
At the start of the full-scale invasion, the unit’s fighters engaged the enemy and destroyed enemy equipment while defending Mariupol. Among their most notable operations were the defense of the seaport, battles against numerically superior GRU special forces, the assault on “Trash Mountain,” and the defense of the Azovstal steel plant.
After being released from Russian captivity, the fighters of the group reestablished their unit, continuing its traditions and combat history. The unit grew from a group that was at the forefront of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer of 2023 into a company and took part in the fighting in the Serebryansky Forest District.
The unit was expanded into a special-purpose reconnaissance detachment—a backbone force that held back the enemy in the Toretsk sector.
The unit continues to carry out combat missions in the Dobropillia sector. The unit’s soldiers are involved in planning all high-priority combat missions, passing on their experience to new recruits, and taking a direct part in defeating the enemy on the battlefield.
Commander
Artem “Chum” Chumak
LieutenantOne of them is Comrade “Chum.” He carries on the legacy of the former commander, Hero of Ukraine—Comrade “Neznaika”—who was killed in September 2024 while on a combat mission. Comrade “Chum” constantly monitors changes in the conduct of the war to stay one step ahead of the enemy. The commander is an example of how professionalism is born from daily self-improvement and discipline, so he rightly demands the same from others. He knows how to recognize the strengths of each subordinate and allocates these resources wisely, taking into account the soldiers’ wishes and the unit’s needs. Upon joining the unit, the soldiers understand: “Reconnaissance is a lifelong calling,” because in a strong environment, you yourself become stronger.
