The newly formed unit will carry out defence missions in the Donetsk region
Brigadier General Denys Prokopenko, known by his call sign Redis, has officially assumed command of the Azov military group in the Donetsk region. This appointment is part of a broader reform of the defence management system in eastern Ukraine. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Юлія Капітонова) citing the Telegram channel of 1st NGU Corps Azov, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
As part of a strategic update to the Donbas defence structure, command of the new unit has been entrusted to the experienced officer, following an order issued in late August by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The creation of the Azov group aims to improve the effectiveness of regional defence.
New management structure in Donetsk region
Alongside the Azov group, the Center group has begun operations under the command of 3rd Army Corps commander Andriy Biletskyi. Biletskyi will balance his new responsibilities with his ongoing leadership of the corps, focusing on defending critical frontline sectors.
Military leadership views the rollout of this management model as a significant test for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. If the scheme proves combat-effective and responsive, the approach is slated to be implemented across other operational sectors.
The Azov commander’s combat record
Denys Prokopenko began his service in 2014, participating in key operations against Russian forces, including the defence of Mariupol. At the age of 26, he became the youngest regimental commander in the history of the National Guard and the Ukrainian military.
For his bravery during the full-scale invasion, particularly during the 2022 defence of Mariupol, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The press service of the 1st NGU Corps Azov notes that the general’s primary achievement was transforming a volunteer unit into a professional combat force with high standards of training.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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