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Ukrainian Brigadier General Denys “Redis” Prokopenko officially took command of the Azov Group of Forces on September 13. The new formation will operate in Donetsk region, the 1st Corps of Ukraine’s National Guard “Azov” said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on August 26 that Prokopenko would lead one of two newly established groups of forces in Donetsk region. The formation was named Azov.
The second grouping, Center, will be commanded by Andrii Biletskyi, commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, who will retain his position there as well. The Center Group will be responsible for defending a significant part of Donetsk region.
The new command structure is part of a broader reform of the system for managing the defense of Donetsk region. If the new approach proves effective, it could later be expanded to other areas.
Prokopenko’s military career
Prokopenko began serving in the Azov Battalion on July 11, 2014. He took part in the unit’s major combat operations during the summer and autumn campaign, including battles for Marinka and Ilovaisk, as well as the defense of Mariupol.
At the age of 26, Prokopenko became commander of the Azov Regiment, making him the youngest regimental commander in the history of Ukraine’s National Guard and Armed Forces at the time.
During the defense of Mariupol in 2022, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine for personal courage and heroism in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also received the Order of the Golden Star.
Azov’s press service said Prokopenko’s main achievement was transforming the unit from a volunteer formation into a professional combat formation.
