1 march, 2026 | 21

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine commends soldiers of the 1 Corps Azov

Servicemen of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine were awarded distinctions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the honorary breast badges “Steel Cross”, “Cross of Bravery”, “Silver Cross”, “Cross of Military Honor”, “Golden Cross”, and “For Conscientious Service”. The awards were personally presented by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, during a meeting with the fighters marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Four years ago, Russia treacherously attacked our state. Four years of full-scale armed aggression against our country by an enemy superior in manpower, weapons, ammunition, artillery shells, and drones. Yet over these four years, we have demonstrated that we truly deserve the respect of the entire world. Many of my colleagues from European countries wrote to me today that they are proud of our resilience and our achievements on the battlefield, secured despite this exhausting war.

Oleksandr Syrskyi

General, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

During the award ceremony, General Oleksandr Syrskyi thanked the soldiers, sergeants, and officers who received decorations for their steadfast and worthy fulfillment of military duty, and for setting an example of courage and heroism. He also expressed hope that the achievements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be accompanied by as few losses as possible, and that this valiant struggle will end in victory.

1 corps azov 1 corps ngu azov azov commander-in-chief corps azov cross of bravery cross of military honor for conscientious service golden cross national guard national guard of ukraine oleksandr syrskyi silver cross steel cross

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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”.

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.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine commends soldiers of the 1 Corps Azov

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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?

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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?

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