Commander of Azov Prokopenko Awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky: Why He Received the Honor

According to glavcom.ua:

Commander of the 12th Special Operations Brigade 'Azov' Denys Prokopenko has been awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi II degree. The Colonel of the National Guard of Ukraine and Hero of Ukraine, known by the call sign 'Redis', received the state award for his personal courage displayed in defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This was reported by 'Glavkom' referring to the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 598/2025.

As is known, in 2022 Denys Prokopenko commanded the defense of Mariupol, particularly holding the defense at the 'Azovstal' plant. On May 20, 2022, together with the entire garrison, he surrendered to Russian captivity on the orders of the higher command. Already on September 21, 2022, Prokopenko was exchanged, and after rehabilitation, he returned to the front. This high award recognizes his heroism exhibited during the city's defense and his subsequent selfless service.

Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 12th brigade 'Azov', was awarded the state order for his personal courage in defending the sovereignty of Ukraine, and his defensive actions during the battle for Mariupol proved crucial for victory over the enemy.