19 may, 2026 | 49

Fourth Year in Captivity: Prayer for Azov Fighters Held at the Lavra

On May 17, a nationwide interdenominational prayer for the release of Azov’s captive fighters was held at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

The prayer was jointly initiated by His Beatitude Epifaniy, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and the command of 1st Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Azov fighters continue to fight every day for the freedom of their brothers-in-arms. We are grateful to the Ukrainian churches for their spiritual support and unwavering attention to our captives.

1 corps azov 1 corps ngu azov azov azov corps corps azov national guard national guard of ukraine

Reproduction of materials is allowed only with an active hyperlink to azov.army placed within the first paragraph of the text

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.

Fourth Year in Captivity: Prayer for Azov Fighters Held at the Lavra

Be the first one

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?

Share the article

Polar researchers from the Akademik Vernadsky station joined the international Run the Line event

The Open Tournament in memory of Hero of Ukraine and Azov fighter Vitaliy “Khvat” Blazhko brought together 23 teams

Fighters of the First Corps “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine took part in the “5th UK-UA Defence Tech Forum” in London

86 days of defense: the fifth year in captivity

Azov presents: “Putin’s 11 Friends’ Last Ride”

Donating just got easier!