Who benefits from discrediting Azov again

For some reason, most people are acting like the war is ending and are already gearing up for the elections. It’s unfortunate that this time, the Russians didn’t even need to order it — they didn’t stoop so low. To disappoint this "commissioner" — this effort is utterly hopeless. No one will ever tarnish the name or history of Azov.

I’m not writing this to justify myself to an army-dodging, bribe-taking, pro-Russian propagandist sitting abroad, stirring up trouble, and attacking the honor of my deputies — men who’ve spent over 10 years at the frontlines with me. Ironically, these very officers ensured that he didn’t have to flee the country and could stay, for example, in Kyiv. But it’s always easier to criticize from afar. Unlike him, Azov officers don’t give interviews to pro-Russian outlets, don’t share content from GRU/FSB-controlled networks, and don’t seek illegal enrichment.

I could have responded sooner, but I deliberately paused to do some research. Here’s the reality: society is so disillusioned by civil servants’ corruption scandals that it sometimes falls for the cheap lies of a provocateur.

People fall into two camps:

1. Those who look for corruption and truth in slander (they’re worth nothing).
2. Those concerned about the safety of our officers’ families and determined to hold the culprit accountable.

Thank god, the majority belongs to the second group. That restores some faith in Ukrainian society.

I live by clear principles:

1. Never ask for anything for myself (especially material).
2. Ensure all processes I handle are transparent.
3. Demand the same rules from my brigade and subordinates, with accountability and punishments if necessary.
4. Always have answers to key questions.

I report to the conscientious citizens of Ukraine, foreign partners, patrons, volunteers, and all who support and care for us.

The 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine is open to any journalist who wants to see our operations firsthand. Just make an official request to the unit.

We take pride in the Azov ONE Foundation, the Azov Support service, and the volunteers who help sustain our unit’s combat readiness and Ukraine’s defense. Our funds are transparent and can undergo any audit, proving that not a single penny of donated money has gone to buying apartments for Azov servicemen.

The Heart of Azovstal project provides housing for Mariupol garrison defenders, helping hundreds who lost their homes in occupied territories or suffered severe injuries. Those who gave their all for Ukraine, enduring captivity and losing everything, have every moral right to receive housing through state or private programs.

We will continue to secure housing for our fighters — the best people I’ve ever known.

By 2025, all Mariupol garrison defenders, including our brigade, will receive new, fully equipped apartments. 

For now, it’s up to commanders and patrons to take on this responsibility.

A key point: before passing judgment, imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. The six apartments received by my deputies aren’t part of the housing program. Not a single penny from this program was used. It was a patron’s private initiative.

As stated earlier, if any corruption is discovered in my deputies’ actions, they’ll be removed the very next day and held accountable.

The closer we get to elections, the more mud gets thrown. This is my first and last public response to such provocations.

The truth always prevails!

Source

About the author. Denys Prokopenko, Ukrainian officer, Colonel of the National Guard of Ukraine, Commander of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.