June 13, 2026 | 29

Sports Festival in Dnipro

Hundreds of participants joined the AZOV GAMES RUN tournament, held on June 6 in Dnipro and organized by First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, Sports Club VATAGA, and Sports Club SURA.

One of the most spectacular elements of the event, the psychological obstacle run, brought together 254 participants, including active-duty service members from First Corps Azov and other units, cadets, veterans, and civilians.

Sporting competitions across several disciplines were designed for children and youth. Six teams competed for the mini-football title. Over 200 participants competed across freestyle wrestling and amateur boxing tournaments.

Юні борці змагаються на килимі під час турніру в межах Azov Games.

Дитячий футбольний матч на полі під час спортивного фестивалю Azov Games.

Юні спортсмени проводять боксерський поєдинок під час Azov Games

Учасники та переможці Azov Games у Вінниці під час спортивного фестивалю, організованого 1-м корпусом НГУ «Азов» та спортивним об'єднанням «Ватага».

Sport brings people together regardless of age, status, or profession. It is through shared challenges, struggle, and teamwork that true unity, trust, and brotherhood are forged.

Oleksandr “Henesy” Khainasov

Head of Physical Training and Sport at First Corps Azov

Events like these foster the exchange of experience between fighters from different units, promote sport and healthy living, foster military-patriotic education among youth, and deepen ties between the military and civilian society.

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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.

Yes. The “Azov” corps can reinstate service members returning from AWOL (those who have left their assigned places of duty in the AFU or NGU) if they want to continue their service. For all service members – it is possible to return to service via a court hearing and a corresponding court decision. For NGU service members – it is possible to return via the “Army+” app service.

Yes. AFU service members can transfer to the NGU and continue their service in “Azov”. We guide candidates through every stage of this process, consulting on the transfer procedure, assisting with the preparation of required documents, and coordinating all steps up until the moment of entry into our unit. Our goal is to make the transfer process into “Azov” as easy and transparent as possible, for all service members.

Yes. Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 24 can join “Azov” through the “Contract 18-24” program. This program involves voluntary service, professional training, military pay with bonuses, and full social benefits. Candidates can choose the type of contract (infantry or UAV) depending on their preference. We guide candidates through every step of signing the contract – from submitting an application and passing selection to the start of their service in “Azov”.

Sports Festival in Dnipro

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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?

Can you return to service after an AWOL (Absence without Leave)?

Is it possible to transfer from the AFU to the NGU and get into “Azov”?

Is it possible to join “Azov” via the Contract 18-24 program?

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