June 5, 2026 | 26

Azov Representatives Address Finnish Parliament on Military Training and the Realities of Modern Warfare

A delegation comprising representatives of the 12th and 20th Brigades and the headquarters of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine visited Finland. During a meeting at the Parliament of Finland with members of parliament, government officials, and representatives of the private sector, Master Sergeant of the 12th Brigade Azov Ihor “Mactavish” Shelepionok spoke about infantry operations on the battlefield, the core competencies of the modern fighter, and the principles of training and advancement within the brigade.

Speaking to Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Jussi Halla-aho about the fate of over 700 brothers-in-arms in captivity, Deputy Commander of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine Colonel Sviatoslav “Kalyna” Palamar stressed:

In international forums, we must speak about our prisoners of war, who have been held in Russian prisons since 2022. I ask you to keep this in mind and, where possible, to use your influence to affect the situation.

Sviatoslav “Kalyna” Palamar

Colonel, Deputy Commander of First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.

The delegation also discussed the current security situation and the question of further international support with representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine in Finland.

Представник 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» вітається з норвезьким посадовцем під час офіційної зустрічі.

Делегація 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» та партнери під час спільного фото в будівлі парламенту Норвегії.

Представник 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» виступає з доповіддю на міжнародній конференції.

Представник 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» залишає запис у книзі почесних гостей під час візиту до Норвегії.

Представники 1-го корпусу НГУ «Азов» беруть участь у зустрічі з норвезькими посадовцями.

We are grateful for the support in organizing the visit provided by Finnish charitable organizations Lion Defence Team and Konkreettista apua, and we thank Finland for its leadership in fostering the exchange of experience with Ukrainian military personnel. We also thank Finland for its strategic engagement with Ukraine in the context of European security policy.

1 corps azov 1 corps ngu azov 12 azov brigade 20 brigade 20 brigade lubart azov azov brigade azov corps corps azov kalyna lubart lubart brigade national guard national guard of ukraine sviatoslav palamar

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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.

Azov Representatives Address Finnish Parliament on Military Training and the Realities of Modern Warfare

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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?

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