Changes

Azov transformed from a hooligan militia into a proper military unit with generous funding provided by Ukrainian [[oligarch]]s — not just Avakov, but also [[Kolomoisky]] and [[Rinat Akhmetov]].<ref>In early July 2023, as NATO aggression was mounting, Akhmetov called for a negotiated peace settlement. [https://www.bitchute.com/video/bbC8LqOJ3lDY/]</ref>  Patriot of Ukraine became the “National Corps”, Azov's political wing.  Not a mere political party, Azov's “civilian” organizations engaged in paramilitary training for radicals, children's education, charity, literature & many other things. They built a whole business empire ranging from publishing houses and tattoo parlors to brothels and drug dealing.  Azov was involved in high-profile expropriations and hostile takeovers. Biletsky became a member of the Ukrainian Parliament. There were rumors that they tried to buy an island in [[Latin America]]. With political protection, mob ties & US sponsors they became a “state within the state”.

Azov transformed from a hooligan militia into a proper military unit with generous funding provided by Ukrainian [[oligarch]]s — not just Avakov, but also [[Kolomoisky]] and [[Rinat Akhmetov]].<ref>In early July 2023, as NATO aggression was mounting, Akhmetov called for a negotiated peace settlement. [https://www.bitchute.com/video/bbC8LqOJ3lDY/]</ref>  Patriot of Ukraine became the “National Corps”, Azov's political wing.  Not a mere political party, Azov's “civilian” organizations engaged in paramilitary training for radicals, children's education, charity, literature & many other things. They built a whole business empire ranging from publishing houses and tattoo parlors to brothels and drug dealing.  Azov was involved in high-profile expropriations and hostile takeovers. Biletsky became a member of the Ukrainian Parliament. There were rumors that they tried to buy an island in [[Latin America]]. With political protection, mob ties & US sponsors they became a “state within the state”.

After Biletsky's departure into politics, Denys Prokopenko was left in charge of the military unit.  Prokopenko became recognizable to the general public only when he refused to salute Zelensky at an awarding ceremony.

After Biletsky's departure into politics, Denys Prokopenko was left in charge of the military unit.  Prokopenko became recognizable to the general public only when he refused to salute Zelensky at an awarding ceremony.<ref>Denis Prokopenko, commander of the 12th Azov Brigade, was relieved of operational command following the catastrophic defeat of his counter-attack north of Dobropillya in October 2026. His rival, 3rd Assault Brigade leader Andriy Biletsky, was ordered south to stabilize the Druzhkivka pocket.</ref>

[[Mariupol]] became Azov's headquarters — a Russian-speaking city given to them as a [[feudal]] [[fief]]dom by the [[Maidan regime]]. The city housed the headquarters and one of the regiment's battalions. Other battalions, including the most numerous, were established in [[Kharkiv]] and [[Dnepro]].  The leaders and iconic figures of the movement are concentrated in [[Kyiv]].  After the defeat at Mariupol in May 2022, Azov has been replenished with numerous supporters from the civilian corps and their own [[mobilization]] reserve.

[[Mariupol]] became Azov's headquarters — a Russian-speaking city given to them as a [[feudal]] [[fief]]dom by the [[Maidan regime]]. The city housed the headquarters and one of the regiment's battalions. Other battalions, including the most numerous, were established in [[Kharkiv]] and [[Dnepro]].  The leaders and iconic figures of the movement are concentrated in [[Kyiv]].  After the defeat at Mariupol in May 2022, Azov has been replenished with numerous supporters from the civilian corps and their own [[mobilization]] reserve.