Denis Prokopenko

Known by the callsign “Redis”, he joined the Azov Battalion in July 2014 as an anti-tank rifleman, fighting in battles such as Marinka and Ilovaysk. In 2015, he led the 1st Company to liberate the settlement of Shryokyne east of Mariupol, in which he earned recognition for his leadership capabilities. By 2017, he had become the commander of the Azov Regiment, making him the youngest commander in the history of the Ukrainian National Guard and the Armed Forces. He played a pivotal role in transforming the professionalism of the unit into an exceptional and professional combat force. In 2022, he led the defense of Mariupol on the ground with the Azov Brigade and units also participating in the defense of the city during the siege. He surrendered to Russian forces in May 2022, ending the siege, and spent 124 days in captivity. In July 2023, he returned from Turkey to resume command of the brigade.