On March 7, 2025, the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine was formed, with the Azov Brigade as its core. Four additional brigades became part of the corps: Burevii, Chervona Kalyna, Kara Dag, and Lubart. The corps was commanded by Hero of Ukraine, Colonel Denys “Redis” Prokopenko.
In August, the corps was assigned a zone of responsibility in the Pokrovsk sector, where key events of the Battle for Donbas unfolded. Corps units, together with attached and subordinate forces, were tasked with halting and eliminating the enemy, who had broken through the defensive formations of Ukraine’s Defense Forces toward the settlement of Dobropillia.
The corps command ensured effective coordination among units of the National Guard of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Air Assault and Assault Troops, the Unmanned Systems Forces, and other components of the Defense Forces. This coordinated effort made it possible to stabilize the situation in the sector. In the autumn, the General Staff calculated that during the counteroffensive operation, approximately 175 square kilometers of territory were liberated. In addition, nearly 195 square kilometers were cleared of enemy sabotage groups.
Starting on August 4, when command and control of Defense Forces units in the Dobropillia sector was transferred to the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, and up to the present day, the enemy has suffered significant losses.
As of December 29, 2025, they amount to:
- irrecoverable losses — 12,492 occupiers;
- wounded — 8,346;
- captured — 185 servicemen of the Russian armed forces.
Over five months of the counteroffensive operation, a large amount of enemy equipment was destroyed or damaged:
- 93 tanks;
- 259 armored combat vehicles;
- 314 artillery systems;
- 1,821 units of light and heavy automotive equipment and motorcycles, including:
– light vehicles — 618;
– heavy vehicles — 33;
– special-purpose vehicles — 43;
– motorcycles and buggies — 1,127; - 3,579 UAVs of various types.
The first major operation of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine served as practical confirmation that, under conditions of clear planning, unified command, and coordinated action by its units, the corps is capable of effectively countering the enemy, disrupting their operational and strategic plans, while preserving the lives of Defense Forces personnel.
The year 2025 became a year of trials for the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine and, at the same time, a test of the effectiveness of the army corps system created to enhance planning and employment of forces. The Dobropillia operation became the corps’ first successful examination. New battles lie ahead, demanding willpower, discipline, and decisive action.
Together — we are strong.