Andriy Biletskyi

Founded the Azov Battalion, previously known as the little black men, in 2014, he commanded the liberation of Mariupol in 2014 against pro-Russian separatists. He was also prevalent in initiating and commanding operations to liberate the settlement of Shyrokyne and several settlements in the Donetsk region in 2015. Biletskyi was prominent in mobilising mass training for civilians before the full-scale invasion; he founded the Azov-SSO unit and began participating in battles to liberate the Kyiv region against Russian forces in early 2022. In August 2022, the Azov Special Purpose Regiment was expanded into the 3rd Assault Brigade. On September 30, 2025 he was promoted to Brigadier General.