3rd International Battalion

3rd International Battalion is a linear unit of the Azov Brigade.

The battalion was formed on December 24, 2024, on the basis of Ukrainian personnel from the brigade’s Training Battalion, and a group of foreigners who had been fighting within the brigade’s 1st Special Purpose Battalion. Many other foreigners interested in fighting from other units, such as the International Legions, also helped to form the unit.

The commander who was appointed was Yuriy Chekh, callsign “Karl”, who had a good understanding of the English language and was pulled from the brigade’s Training Battalion due to his experience in the ranks.

Before the establishment of the battalion, a different battalion already existed under the same name, being the 3rd Special Purpose Battalion; however, it became inactive slowly between February and May 2024, which helped to form the basis of the 6th Special Purpose Battalion of the brigade.

The unit is composed of many veterans from several conflicts, such as the Global War on Terror, Ukraine, and more. Its members come from many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, and many more.

Since its creation, the battalion was deployed in early 2025 to the Toretsk Sector, where it fought to the west of the city in Scherbynivka and Petrivka in clearing and assaulting Russian positions.

In September 2025, Yuriy Chekh was replaced by Pavlo Kurchenko, callsign “Kiel”, who would become the new acting commander of the International Battalion. He, alongside other personnel from the 3rd Company of the 1st Special Purpose Battalion, was introduced to the battalion’s ranks.

In late 2025, it would be redeployed as a Battalion Tactical Group in the Dobropilia and Pokrovsk sectors, supported by the brigade’s Unmanned Systems Battalion, Tank Battalion, and the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 1st Special Purpose Battalion.

Insignia

The insignia follows the brigade tradition with a pointed chevron, featuring three swords – one pointing down and two crossed. Surrounding the swords are olive branches, with the top of the insignia bearing the brigade’s name.