Karl

Battalion Commander

Yurii “Karl” Chekh

Lieutenant Colonel, Commander of the International Battalion, 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine

BIOGRAPHY

Yurii Chekh majored in law at Yaroslav Mudryi National University of Law. He has served in Azov continuously since August 2014, rising from an ordinary fighter to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He participated in the assaults on Shyrokyne in 2014 and commanded a reconnaissance group during preparations for the Shyrokyne offensive operation in February 2015. During the operation itself, "Karl" participated in the assaults on Lebedynske and Kominternove. He has served in various roles within the unit, including machine gunner, rifleman on a heavy machine gun vehicle, reconnaissance group commander, heavy weapons platoon leader, company commander, and leader of a diver team formed from Azov’s reconnaissance platoons. After obtaining all necessary diving licenses and certifications, he became qualified to lead diving operations. He also completed a CMC (combat medic/corpsman) course. During the defense of the Svitlodarsk Bulge in 2019, he commanded a company tactical group.
At the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, "Karl" was an officer responsible for combat and special training. During the defense of Mariupol, he participated in urban warfare as part of the Azov Regiment's reconnaissance group and was later involved in commanding an artillery-turned-infantry unit. Karl endured Russian captivity and was exchanged in September 2022. After his release, he became head of Azov's training section. From February to May 2024, he commanded a battalion tactical group fighting near Terny, where his unit destroyed significant numbers of enemy personnel and equipment. In January 2025, he was appointed commander of the newly established International Battalion.
"Karl" was awarded the Order for Courage, 3rd Class, and the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, 3rd Class. His hobbies include underwater and traditional hunting, football, kayaking, and hiking.

FAQ

Recruitment

How can I sign up to serve in Azov?

To submit your application, please follow these steps:

1. Complete the application form via WhatsApp bot, providing detailed information, including your military experience and specialization.
2. Wait for a call from the recruitment centre to clarify additional details.
3. Attend an in-person interview in Kyiv. Option for an online interview is also available.
4. Submit the required paperwork.
5. Your documents will be submitted for verification and background check.
6. After the verification is completed, you will be required to come to Kyiv for a medical exam.
7. You sign a contract with Azov.

How long does it take to sign the contract to serve in Azov?

If we don’t have any issues with your documents or your medical examination, it will likely take 2 to 6 weeks to sign the military contract.

What are the terms of service for foreign citizens in Azov?

The terms of service are exactly the same as those applicable to Ukrainian service members at Azov.

Can I transfer from a brigade in the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Azov?

Yes, it is possible. However, it may take an extensive period of time. Please contact one of our Recruitment Centers (see the Contacts section in the Main Menu) to discuss your options.

Is there a probation period for a new recruit?

Yes, the contract states that the first 2 months of service are the probation period.This way, both parties (the recruit and the military unit) will be able to figure out if the recruit is a good fit for our military unit.

What do I need to prepare in my home country before traveling?

To begin with, you must have a valid international passport for traveling abroad.If your country requires a visa to enter Ukraine, you must obtain this visa before departure.You can find a list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa if you are going through Poland here (https://www.gov.pl/web/uae/list-of-countries-whose-citizens-are-required-to-have-visas-when-entering-poland). Please make sure to check your country's status and prepare accordingly.

What are the basic requirements I need to know before applying?

The main requirements are:English proficiency at a level sufficient to perform military duties in an English-speaking environment.No serious health issues that would interfere with fulfilling military responsibilities.No criminal record.Make sure you meet these criteria before submitting your application.

Where will I stay during the document preparation process? How much money do I need?

Unfortunately, the battalion does not provide housing for candidates due to security reasons.You should plan to cover your own accommodation and living expenses in Ukraine for approximately 2–3 weeks.The document processing usually takes around 2 weeks from the moment you arrive and submit your paperwork to the recruiters. However, you should be prepared for unforeseen delays, so having a financial buffer is strongly recommended.

I am already under contract with another unit. How can I transfer to your unit?

We do not process transfers for foreigners due to the lengthy and bureaucratic nature of the procedure.If you wish to join us, you must first terminate your current contract and then submit a new application.We may consider applications from individuals who have already initiated the contract termination process and can provide a clear timeline for their availability.

I am a specialist in a critical field. Can I join directly into the unit I want?

Your preferences regarding the area of service are definitely taken into account before the start of basic combat training.However, approval for a specific position can only be granted by the commander of that unit — either during the interview or after you are already in the battalion.We cannot guarantee placement in a specific role prior to arrival.

Donations

How will my donation be used?

We will use the donated funds to purchase protective equipment and vehicles for servicemen of Azov’s International Battalion. High-quality military equipment is expensive and takes time to procure. This essential equipment will keep our defenders safe on the battlefield.

Why is Azov’s International Battalion raising money?

Setting up a new combat battalion from scratch requires a great deal of resources. As a newly-established unit, the International Battalion needs to buy high-quality gear for its servicemen so they can carry out their combat missions. Donations are the fastest way to convert the support of our friends abroad into direct, tangible impact on the battlefield.

What donation options do I have to support the Azov International?

You can donate in the way that suits you best:
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● For an international bank transfer in US dollars, use a respective IBAN account number of our Ukrainian bank. You can copy all the details of the recipient account and paste them directly into your banking application.
● When making a card payment, you can choose between Stripe, Monobank (a Ukrainian payment service provider) or LiqPay (another Ukrainian payment system).Important: with Stripe, you can donate in several currencies: US dollar, Euro, British pound, Japanese yen or Polish złoty.
● For crypto-transfers, you can use the WhitePay option.Please note that some banking fees or card charges may apply to your donation, depending on your bank or payment service provider.

How can I be certain that my donation is secure?

We offer only the safest donation channels that preserve your confidentiality. Your donation will go to the accounts of AZOV.ONE, which is an officially registered legal entity in Ukraine that is authorized to raise funds on behalf of Azov. AZOV.ONE will register all donations, use these funds to procure supplies and then report on these supplies.

What should I do if I have a problem when donating?

You may experience a technical issue when making your donation. Please take a screenshot of the error that you receive from your bank application or from the payment processing platform, and then send it to us at info@azov.one, along with a brief description of the error. We will do our best to help you solve the problem as soon as possible.
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