Denys Prokopenko takes command of Azov grouping to reinforce defense of Donbas

“On Sept. 13, 2026, Denys Prokopenko begins commanding the Azov troop grouping,” the statement said.

On Aug. 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the positions of Ukraine’s Defense Forces in Donetsk Oblast would be reinforced by two updated groupings commanded by Heroes of Ukraine Denys Prokopenko and Andrii Biletskyi.

Rodion Kudriashov, Biletskyi’s deputy, later said Biletskyi would lead the Center troop grouping. That new grouping is expected to be responsible for defending most of Donetsk Oblast, while Biletskyi will also remain commander of the 3rd Army Corps.

Prokopenko joined the Azov battalion on July 11, 2014. During the summer and fall campaign that year, he took part in a number of combat operations, including fighting for Maryinka and Ilovaisk, as well as in the defense of Mariupol.

During the offensive near Pavlopil and Shyrokyne, he commanded the 1st company. In 2017, at age 26, Prokopenko became commander of the Azov Regiment, making him at the time the youngest regimental commander in the history of both the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On March 19, 2022, during the defense of Mariupol, President Zelenskyy awarded Prokopenko the title Hero of Ukraine. He was also decorated with the Order of the Gold Star for personal courage and heroism shown in defending Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as loyalty to his military oath.

On April 7, 2025, Prokopenko was appointed commander of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine.