14 march, 2026 | 29

“A volunteer is someone who understands why they must take up arms and defend their Motherland.”

On Ukrainian Volunteer Day, service members of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine received state and departmental awards. Fighters received awards from the President of Ukraine, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, and the Commander of Operational Command “East.” The fighters also received the highest internal awards — Corps chevrons.

Azov was created in 2014 by volunteers, and although the unit continues to grow and develop, the value of voluntarily defending one’s native land remains fundamental for the personnel. A volunteer is a person who understands why they must defend the Motherland with a weapon in hand, understands the enemy’s expansionist goals, and is ready to leave their previous life behind and take responsibility for their state.

The command of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine thanked the fighters who joined the unit at different times, but did so responsibly and voluntarily:

Volunteers know their history and understand the importance of the struggle against Russian aggression. Having sacrificed their personal comforts and the opportunity to be with their loved ones, volunteers joined the ranks of the military. It is thanks to you that I hope we will win this war.

Mykyta “Raz-Dva” Nadtochii

Colonel, Deputy Commander of the Corps

As a unit founded by volunteers, the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine continues to serve as an example for others and cultivates and spreads the ideas that stood at the origins of the volunteer movement in Ukraine.

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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.

“A volunteer is someone who understands why they must take up arms and defend their Motherland.”

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FAQ

Why was the corps system introduced?

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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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A volunteer is someone ready to take responsibility for the state, their loved ones, and the future

Fighters of the Tuman Special Purpose Detachment of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine

Combat operations of the Pilum Unmanned Systems Battalion, First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, against enemy personnel