Military Decorations and Honors Bestowed
During a visit to the Donetsk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented insignia and awards to service members. He formally promoted Colonel Denys Prokopenko to the rank of Brigadier General on February 25, 2026. Prokopenko commands the Azov unit, officially designated as the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, and also holds the title Hero of Ukraine. This promotion recognizes the critical role of specialized units in Ukraine's defense strategy.
The 35-year-old commander, who took charge of the Azov unit in 2017 at age 26, has been involved in pivotal battles. He notably led the prolonged 86-day defense of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. During the full-scale war with Russia, he was held as a prisoner of war from May 16 to September 24, 2022. Units under his command have since been active in the Serebryansky Forest area and on the Toretsk front.
Significance of the Presidential Visit
President Zelenskyy's trip included stops in Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, where he engaged with military personnel. In Druzhkivka, he met with soldiers of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 'To confer the military rank of Brigadier General upon Colonel Denys Hennadiyovych Prokopenko – commander of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, Azov.'
He also stated: 'Thank you for defending our state from the first days of the occupation of Crimea and part of our east – Donbas – and for all the years of the full-scale war, for your courage.'
The visit and the conferral of high ranks underscore the valor and essential service of Ukrainian soldiers in the nation's fight for independence. Such presidential actions aim to bolster army morale and maintain combat readiness amid the ongoing conflict, highlighting the national commitment to territorial integrity and defense.