Denis Prokopenko

Known by the callsign “Redis,” he joined the Azov Battalion in July 2014 as an anti-tank rifleman, participating in key battles such as Marinka and Ilovaysk. In 2015, he led the 1st Company in the liberation of Shyrokyne, east of Mariupol, earning recognition for his leadership skills. By 2017, he had risen to commander of the Azov Regiment, becoming the youngest commander in the history of both the Ukrainian National Guard and the Armed Forces. He played a crucial role in transforming the unit into a highly professional and elite combat force. In 2022, he led the defense of Mariupol but was captured by Russian forces in May, bringing the siege to an end. After spending 124 days in captivity, he was released and returned from Turkey in July 2023 to resume command of the brigade.