The 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov

Unit’s History, Structure, Combat Record, and Traditions

The 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov is a professional military formation within the National Guard of Ukraine, established on May 5, 2014. Since its inception, Azov has been dedicated to protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, upholding its laws and constitutional order, and playing an active role in repelling Russia’s aggression on Ukrainian soil.

The protection of the Ukrainian state, its independence, and the security of its citizens, as well as patriotism, loyalty to the state, and human dignity, form the fundamental values of the 12th Azov Brigade.

No glory without a fight

Motto

History

Azov was established on May 5, 2014, as a special forces battalion under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

On June 13, 2014, the unit played a pivotal role in the liberation of Mariupol.

On August 4, 2014, Azov, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, liberated the town of Marinka from terrorists and Russian mercenaries.

On August 10, 2014, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Azov Battalion, launched an operation to liberate the town of Ilovaisk and eliminate the terrorists’ fortified district.

In September 2014, the Azov Battalion, alongside Ukrainian Armed Forces units, defended Mariupol.

On September 17, 2014, the battalion was expanded into a special forces regiment under the MIA and continued to actively participate in counter-subversive and defensive operations in the Mariupol area.

On November 11, 2014, Azov was integrated into the National Guard of Ukraine, becoming a separate special forces detachment (SSFD) within the 18th Special Forces Regiment, Military Unit 3057. During this time, Azov was reinforced by an artillery and a tank unit.

From February 10 to 18, 2015, the unit conducted the Pavlopil-Shyrokyne offensive operation, resulting in the liberation of several settlements, namely Shyrokyne, Pavlopil, Kominternove, Lebedynske and Berdianske.

From 2015 to 2018, the unit focused on active development, improvement, and recruitment. A dedicated system for selecting and training recruits was developed and refined. Through rigorous training, company and battalion-level cohesion exercises, and specialized courses for sergeants and officers, Azov became one of the Ukrainian military’s most professional and combat-ready units. At the same time, Azov remained actively engaged in defensive operations on the front lines. Sniper teams of the SSFD Azov carried out special and general reconnaissance missions, as well as counter-subversive operations in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO)/Joint Forces Operation (JFO) zone.

From January to September 2019, the Battalion Tactical Group Azov conducted combat operations at the contact line in the Svitlodarsk Arc area. During this mission, the illegal military formations suffered significant losses in personnel, both killed and wounded. Dozens of enemy armored vehicles, cars, and firing positions were destroyed or damaged, while the frontlines were pushed back for up to 1 km in various sections.

Defense of Mariupol

The 86-day defense of Mariupol at the onset of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine stands as one of Azov’s greatest battles. Fighting in complete encirclement as part of the Mariupol garrison, the unit held off overwhelming Russian forces, who held superiority in personnel and equipment, preventing them from advancing deeper into the country.

Based on visually confirmed data on enemy losses, Azov fighters eliminated 3,500 enemy personnel and wounded another 5,000 throughout the 86 days of the city’s defense.

In April 2022, while the detachment was surrounded in Mariupol, Azov officers established a unit on the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia, which effectively became part of the SSFD Azov. The unit comprised volunteers and Azov service members who had been outside Mariupol at the start of the invasion. It was formed to launch further efforts to break the siege of the city. From the early days of the unit’s existence, its fighters were engaged in combat in the South. Over time, these volunteers became the foundation for the subsequent restoration and expansion of Azov.

In February 2023, the SSFD Azov was reorganized into the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov within the National Guard of Ukraine.

In June 2023, the brigade’s fighters participated in the counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia sector as part of a battalion tactical group.

In August 2023, the 12th Azov Brigade took part in repelling the enemy’s advance in the Kreminna sector near the Serebrianskyi Forest. For a year, Azov effectively held its positions in the entrusted sector of the frontline. The brigade’s fighters played a crucial role in halting the enemy’s progress and pushing them back.

From February to May 2024, Azov, as part of a battalion tactical group, was deployed in a critical sector of the contact line near Terny settlement to stop the enemy’s massive assault operations and stabilize the frontline.

Starting in August 2024, the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov was engaged in combat in the Toretsk sector, one of the most challenging areas of the frontline, particularly near New York settlement. Azov fighters successfully stopped the Russian onslaught and stabilized the frontline within the unit’s area of responsibility. To this day, Azov continues to carry out successful defensive and counteroffensive operations in the sector.

Structure of the Azov Brigade

The 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine consists of the following units:

1st Special Forces Battalion

2nd Special Forces Battalion

International Battalion

5th Special Forces Battalion Liubart

6th Special Forces Battalion

Brigade Artillery Group

Tank Battalion

Unmanned Systems Battalion

Technical Intelligence Company

Anti-Aircraft Missile Artillery Battalion

Azov.Recruitment

Khorunzha Service

Medical Company

Support Forces Battalion

Communications Node

Azov.One

Azov.Care

Special Forces Reconnaissance Detachment

Sniper Company

Commandant's Company

Service Support Battalion

Automobile Battalion

Electronic Warfare Company

Brigade Command

Psychological Service

The Khoruhva is the unit's only battle standard and one of its most sacred symbols embodying the honor of the military formation.

The Khoruhva is the unit’s only battle standard and one of its most sacred symbols embodying the honor of the military formation.

Before the full-scale invasion, Azov’s Khoruhva was kept by the Khorunzha Service and used only during the most significant events, such as the Memorial Day for Fallen Fighters, the parade marking Mariupol’s liberation anniversary, or the day of the unit’s establishment.

At the onset of the full-scale invasion, the Khoruhva was moved to Mariupol, where Azov was engaged in fierce fighting in semi-encirclement, together with the unit. During the defense of Azovstal, the Khoruhva was stored at the command post inside the steel plant.

At one point, an aerial bomb struck the bunker housing the defenders’ staff and command post. The explosion damaged the case holding the Khoruhva and the Eagle, but the battle standard itself remained intact.

Later, the Khoruhva was transferred to the “mainland”, where it awaited the return of the unit’s personnel from captivity.

For Azov, the battle standard is sacred — while the Khoruhva lives, so does the unit.

The Guidons are battle flags of the brigade's units. During the ATO/JFO period, units were presented with their Guidons on the anniversary of Azov's creation. Traditionally, the ceremony took place in the town of Berdiansk, where the unit was originally established.

Traditions of the Azov Brigade

Prayer of the Ukrainian Nationalist

One of the unit’s key traditions is reciting the Prayer of the Ukrainian Nationalist, a text that Azov service members revere as deeply as the Anthem of Ukraine. As a rule, the Prayer is recited on significant occasions, such as Azov’s establishment anniversary or the Day of the Dead, and before combat missions. Occasionally, the fighters also chant the Prayer to boost morale and sharpen their focus.

Text of the Prayer:

Ukraine! Holy Mother of Heroes, descend to my heart, come with the storm of Caucasian winds, with the noise of the Carpathian streams, with the battles of the glorious conqueror father Khmel, with the triumph and thunder of Revolution cannons, with the joyful sound of Sophia bells. May my soul revive in You, illuminate with Your glory, because You, Most Holy, are all my life, because You are all my happiness.

Ring to me with the clank of shackles, the creak of gallows on gloomy mornings, bring me the screams of those tortured in cellars, prisons, and exiles. That my faith be granite, that my strength grows with ardency, that I go into a battle courageously, as the heroes went for You, Holy, for Your glory, for Your Holy Ideas, to avenge the shame of captivity, the trampled honor, the jeer of your torturers, the innocent blood of your tormented children, the majestic death of the Ukrainian Nation’s heroes and thousands of others unknown to us, whose bones are scattered or secretly buried.

Burn all the weakness in my heart with the life-giving fire. May I know no fear and no hesitation. Strengthen my spirit, harden my will, settle in my heart, bring me up for great deeds, may I find my death in those deeds, sweet death in agony for You. May I dissolve in You and live forever in You, Eternal Ukraine! Holy! Powerful! United!

The Decalogue of the Ukrainian Nationalist

In Addition to the Prayer of the Ukrainian Nationalist, another key element in the unit’s ceremonial traditions is the Decalogue of the Ukrainian Nationalist, where every line serves as a call to action. Both the Decalogue and the Prayer are vital links connecting Azov’s traditions to those of the Ukrainian liberation movement during the time of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

Text of the Decalogue:

I am the spirit of the eternal element who shielded you from the Tatar flood and placed you on the edge between two worlds to create a new life:

1. You will attain a Ukrainian state or perish fighting for it.

2. You will not allow anyone to tarnish your nation’s glory or honor.

3. Remember the great days of our struggle for liberation.

4. Be proud that you are heir to the fight for the glory of Volodymyr’s Trident.

5. Avenge the death of the Great Warriors.

6. Do not discuss the cause with whomever you can, but only with whom you must.

7. You will not hesitate to complete the most dangerous of acts if the good of the cause demands it.

8. With hatred and ruthless struggle you will face the enemies of your nation.

9. Neither pleading nor threats, torture, or death will force you to reveal secrets.

10. You will strive to expand the strength, fame, wealth, and space of the Ukrainian state.

Fist to heart

Members of the Azov Brigade salute one another by pressing their fists against their hearts. The gesture is performed during the Ukrainian Anthem, the Prayer of the Ukrainian Nationalist or to honor a fallen brother-in-arms while paying last respects. Azov members popularized this tradition in Ukraine. Today, this type of salute is performed by a number of units where former Azov members continue to serve.

Forearm handshake

The forearm handshake is another traditional Azov greeting, where service members “shake hands” by pressing each other’s forearms. This gesture symbolizes genuine, brotherly intentions. The roots of the greeting can be traced back to ancient times, as it was used by the ancient Romans to signal they carried no weapons or other objects hidden in their clothes.

This greeting is gradually spreading to other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, becoming a new symbol of brotherhood and mutual respect among service members.

Day of the Dead

Every year, during the autumnal equinox, Azov holds a solemn mystery play in honor of all the unit’s fallen fighters. The event is private, with only Azov members, families of the fallen, and honorable guests in attendance. The mystery play takes place at night. Azov members pay tribute to their brothers-in-arms who lost their lives fighting for the future of the Ukrainian nation. They recall their call signs and battles in which they were killed. “We remember! We will have our vengeance!” are the main words chanted by the participants of the mystery play.

Celebration of important dates

Every year, the unit celebrated key dates, including the day of Azov’s establishment, the day of the first liberation of Mariupol, the anniversary of the Pavlopil-Shyrokyne offensive operation, and other significant occasions, organizing festivities to mark the events. Before the full-scale invasion, Mariupol hosted parades featuring Azov fighters and military vehicles, as well as festivals (“Free Mariupol”) and concerts for the city’s residents.

Paying last respects to fallen fighters and caring for their graves

Before the full-scale war, Azov service members regularly paid last respects to fallen fighters during formations at their home station. The commander would recall the warrior’s military record and feats, while other fighters fired a salute and recited the Prayer of the Ukrainian Nationalist. The tradition fosters a strong connection between the living and their fallen brothers-in-arms. Fallen fighters were also honored on the anniversary of their death.

Death does not strip a fighter of his right to be called an Azov member. The family of the fallen warrior is presented with the unit’s flag and patch as symbols of the fighter’s sacrifice for Ukraine and his fellow servicemen. The fighter joins the “Heavenly Azov”, while the unit covers all burial costs and ensures that the resting place of the fallen service member is properly cared for.

The Field of Swords

In 2015, a mound was built near Azov’s military base in Urzuf village to host the first mystery play dedicated to the Day of the Dead. At the top of the mound, three large swords were installed. These swords are a symbolic representation of the Swords in Rock bronze monument in Hafrsfjord, Norway. Designed by sculptor Fritz Røed, the original installation symbolizes the unification of Norway after the Battle of Hafrsfjord, where Harald Fairhair consolidated the kingdom under his rule. The three swords, stuck into the ground, represent peace.

In Azov, the monument took on a new meaning: it now symbolizes the valor of warriors who gave their lives in battle. Their swords are forever buried in the ground they protected and sacrificed for.

Honorary bladed weapons

During the ATO/JFO period, a tradition was established to award fighters with honorary bladed weapons for their dedicated service in Azov. The unit commander would submit a list of fighters preparing to leave service, selecting those he deemed worthy of the honor.

These Azov fighters were presented with engraved knives in special cases. Both the weapon and the case featured a carved inscription: “No glory without a fight”, while the knife was also engraved with its owner’s call sign.

In 2024, a new tradition began — the best assault troops of the 12th Azov Brigade were awarded “assault knives” to recognize their resilience, courage, and valor in battle.

“During assault operations, in close combat, when people push themselves to the limits, standing on the edge of life and death, they reveal their true essence in that critical moment. I am deeply convinced that only a fighter who overcomes fear, masters himself, and remains composed has the right to call himself a warrior. To me, this is the pinnacle of human honor, and every infantryman in our brigade must strive for it,” said “Redis,” Commander of the 12th Azov Brigade, during one of the ceremonies for awarding the assault knives.

Unit's Motivation
and Professionalism

NATO standards

The military activities of the 12th Azov Brigade are based on leading NATO standards for command and staff organization, operational planning, and combat. Throughout the unit’s history, commanders and fighters have independently shaped Azov, drawing on contemporary military doctrines. Their initiative and motivation significantly increased the unit’s professional level and boosted its morale. Modern military standards proved particularly effective during the defense of Mariupol, as well as operations in the Kreminna and Toretsk sectors.

Uniform

The primary camouflage pattern used for Azov Brigade fighter’s military uniforms is the American MultiCam. The unit’s service members are provided with everything they need to carry out combat tasks while completing the Basic Combat Training Course and establishing cohesion with their brothers-in-arms. Commanders of the brigade’s subunits ensure that their fighters are well-equipped and supplied.

Career development and Azov education

In addition to regular training, theoretical classes, and courses on specific specializations, Azov has provided its members with career development courses throughout its history, prioritizing the quality and comprehensiveness of personnel education.

In 2016, during the Anti-Terrorist Operation, a group of experienced service members founded the Colonel Yevhen Konovalets Military Commanders’ School. This school was among the first to implement NATO standards in shaping future sergeants and officers. Intensive physical and psychological training prepared future commanders for any challenge, while theoretical and practical insights were merged to create a comprehensive course based on foreign literature and the expertise of instructors from various countries.

The alumni of the Military School demonstrated the effectiveness of their training in the fiercest battles of the ATO/JFO period and the full-scale invasion, becoming role models for their brothers-in-arms.

Even today, despite the ongoing intensity of hostilities, all officers and sergeants of the brigade regularly undergo career development courses.

Basic Combat Training Course (BCTC)

From its early days, Azov has prioritized quality selection and training of recruits, doing so through its own means.

The Basic Combat Training Course (BCTC) is Azov’s comprehensive program that combines theory and practice with physical and psychological training, all tested by years of combat experience. The course is conducted by experienced Azov fighters, each with a combat background and instructor expertise. Discipline, physical training, and a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills form the foundation of the course. The program is continuously updated to reflect the realities of the battlefield and the latest advancements in combat operations methodology.

Weapons

In its fight against the occupiers, the Azov Brigade uses a wide range of Ukrainian and Western weapons. The key types of armament include:

Assault rifles: UAR-15 (Ukraine, 5.56 mm), Colt C7, Colt C8 (Canada, 5.56 mm).
Armored vehicles: Т64-BV, T-72, and T-80U tanks; М113, BTR-4, MaxxPro, Kirpi, Oncilla, and Novator armored personnel carriers; armored cars, such as HMMWV, and others.
Artillery: M109L 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (Italy), DITA 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer (Czech Republic), TRF1 155 mm field gun (France), BM-21 Grad 122 mm multiple rocket launcher, RAK-SA-12 128 mm towed multiple rocket launcher (Croatia), 2С1 Gvozdika 122 mm self-propelled howitzer, Giatsint-B 152 mm field gun and Msta-B 152 mm howitzer, OTO Melara 105 mm howitzer (Italy), M101A1 105 mm howitzer (U.S.), as well as a range of 120 mm and 82 mm mortars.
UAVs: Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems: Shark, Leleka-100, Furia, Punisher, etc. The unit is also equipped with a wide range of strike drones and heavy bombers, such as Vampire, Heavy Shot, and others.

Recruitment

Azov Brigade’s recruitment center plays a vital role in replenishing the unit’s ranks. Established in 2014, it has grown from a small department into a powerful network of recruitment centers, ensuring the selection and training of the best candidates. Over the years, the center has become one of the leading recruitment hubs in the country, offering recruits an opportunity to join a professional combat unit.

Since March 2024, Azov Brigade fighters have been regularly conducting training sessions, workshops, and outreach activities for civilians.

The recruitment center’s goal is not only to supply the unit with quality personnel but also to ensure that the entire population is prepared for any challenges posed by the ongoing war. During these events, Azov fighters run workshops on tactics and firearms handling, combat medicine, UAV operation, engineering, and more. Additionally, the Khorunzha Service of the brigade organizes historical and cultural events, allowing Ukrainian citizens to learn about the history of Ukraine, its military, and the liberation movement.

These training sessions help civilians prepare for military service and emergencies that may arise during hostilities. Many participants express a desire to join the ranks of the Azov Brigade afterward.

Innovations and influence on the Ukrainian military

Recruitment is the brigade’s primary method for filling its ranks with motivated volunteers. Azov does not rely on “traditional” enlistment methods; instead, it focuses on the professional selection of candidates. This approach leads to a continuous search for innovative ways to attract newcomers for various roles within the brigade. In the spring of 2023, during a joint recruitment campaign with Work.ua, Azov became the first to introduce professional military recruitment into the large-scale civilian labor market. Since then, many other military structures and units have followed Azov Brigade’s example in recruitment practices.

An alternative to forced mobilization

Rather than navigating the uncertainty of “street mobilization” and dealing with Territorial Centers for Recruitment (TCRs), the Azov Brigade offers a clear and straightforward process for joining the professional military unit. There are no long lines, no endless doors to knock on, and no need to engage with TCR officials. From the moment candidates fill out the online form to the start of the BCTC, Azov recruits receive full informational support from our recruitment professionals, who assist them in gathering the necessary documents and joining Azov.

Commanders

The commanders of the 12th Azov Brigade are experienced and professional service members who have fought on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war for years. They participated in military operations during the ATO/JFO period, defended Mariupol at the onset of the full-scale invasion in complete encirclement, and endured the grueling hardships of Russian captivity — only to return and resume their duty.

Azov commanders are committed to implementing leading Western standards for combat operations, troop training, and command structure. Ensuring that each fighter is well-trained and well-equipped is a top priority. The principal goal of the command during any operation is to protect the lives of their people in battle.

If you are interested in learning more about serving in the unit,

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