Azov: Always First — Now as the First Corps

22/4/25
AZOV.INTERNATIONAL

The International Battalion is honored to be part of an even greater history, as the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov has become the foundation of the First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Brigades within the First Corps Azov

The following five brigades, Ukraine's most effective combat units, will operate together as part of a new operational and tactical formation:

  • 1st Presidential Operational Brigade Bureviy;
  • 12th Special Purpose Brigade Azov;
  • 14th Operational Brigade Chervona Kalyna;
  • 15th Operational Brigade Kara-Dag;
  • 20th Operational Brigade Lybart.

Importance of the reform

This is a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s defense, once again proving that Azov stands at the cutting edge of military effectiveness. The new system is expected to improve the management of the Defense Forces.

Joining the Azov International Battalion, you become the first in every respect. Read more from the newly appointed Commander of the First Corps Azov, Colonel Denys "Redis" Prokopenko.

"We were the first in Ukraine to implement NATO standards in personnel training, staff organization, operational planning, and command and control during combat operations, adapting them to the realities of modern warfare."
Recruits during the training with the International Battalion's instructor
"We were also the first to take our efforts to the international stage where we began actively countering Russian propaganda."
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Azov Brigade Lieutenant Arsenii "Process" Fedosiuk, Azov Junior Lieutenant Volodymyr "Zelandia" Vernyhora, and Azov veteran Ruslan "David" Serbov at the Mariupol Defenders — 2 Years in Captivity event. London, Reform Club, May 2024
"Operations planned by Azov officers and carried out by the unit's fighters are studied in the world's leading military academies."
Denys "Redis" Prokopenko, now Commander of the First Corps Azov, Yurii "Karl" Chekh, Commander of the International Battalion, and Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, at the headquarters
"Azov is a role model for many. Others follow our example, adopt our experience, and apply our approaches."
Training conducted by the fighters of the International Battalion

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FAQ

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:

● 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.

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.