Pirates Group

Pirates Reconnaissance Group is a unit of the Reconnaissance Detachment of the Azov Brigade.

The group dates back to 2016, when it was formed as an Artillery Reconnaissance Battery within the 2nd Battalion of the Azov Regiment. During this period, the group conducted supporting reconnaissance tasks, primarily identifying and facilitating the engagement of enemy targets using 120mm mortars.

Their operational style, consisting of rapid deployment, strike, and withdrawal, earned them the unofficial nickname “Pirates”.

In 2019, the unit evolved into the battalion’s Special Purpose Reconnaissance Platoon, led by the commander, known by the callsign “Spasatel”. The leadership and core structure consisted of experienced combat veterans. During this time, the group consolidated its identity, officially adopting the nickname “Pirates”.

Between 2019 and early 2022, the platoon underwent continuous training and preparation in anticipation of a larger, full-scale conflict with the Russian Federation.

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the unit was deployed alongside the rest of the Azov Regiment and its parent battalion to the city of Mariupol, where it initially carried out reconnaissance tasks before transitioning into assault and infantry roles.

The unit participated in the defense of the designated sectors of the city. In late March 2022, commander “Spasatel” was wounded, and the command of the group was assumed by “Bars”. The group later took part in the breakthrough to the Azovstal Steel and Iron Works plant, where its primary mission became the defense of the complex, including positions from the slag heaps to the main workships. They eventually would surrender, alongside the rest of the city’s garrison, by order of the Ukrainian High Command.

Between 2022 and 2023, multiple members of the group, including “Bars”, “Spasatel”, and “Frost”, were released from captivity.

In 2023, the unit was rebuilt entirely from scratch, rebuilding its ranks through intense, selective recruitment and training. Around this time, the group’s official insignia patch was introduced.

Later in 2023, the unit participated in “Operation Murakha”, a significant but costly engagement. The Reconnaissance Detachment cleared a Russian strongpoint; however, it resulted in the loss of fighter “Yura” and left several others wounded, requiring a prolonged recovery period.

From 2024 onward, the group continued combat operations in several sectors, including continued actions in the Serebryansky Forest in the Kreminna direction, the Toretsk and New York directions in Donetsk Oblast, and more. During this period, “Bars” was promoted, and “Frost” assumed command of the unit.

At the end of 2025, following the development of the 1st Azov Corps, Frostovik departed from the unit to become an instructor in the corps Personnel Training Battalion to pass on his experience, and the command of the group was taken over by “Sorks”.

The unit remains active, continuing its reconnaissance and combat missions as part of the Azov Brigade, where it is currently taking part in combat operations in the Dobropilia and Pokrovsk directions.

Insignia

The insignia commits to the brigade’s pointed chevron, with an “Idea of the Nation” symbol rotated and sitting at the bottom of the inner chevron. In the center is a stylized pirate’s skull and cap with two crossed swords, and the inscription ” Pirates at the top of the insignia. The name of the group alludes to the Azov Sea, south of Ukraine.