Birthday of 'Azov'. 11 years ago Andriy Biletsky founded the legendary volunteer unit.

11th anniversary of the creation of the 'Azov' battalion

On May 5th, the 'Azov' battalion celebrates the 11th anniversary of its creation. In its story, the Third Storm reported on the history of the legendary battalion and published unique footage of those important events.

After mass arrests and imprisonments, after the famous battle on Rymarska Street and the liberation of Kharkiv, the 'little green men' under the command of Andriy Biletsky received insider information: the Ukrainian internal troops left the base in Berdyans’k due to the turbulent situation in the country. For the 'Black Corps', this became a chance to seize the weapons of this military unit, which had already been attacked by Russians and separatists. The only legal way to obtain it was to transform from a partisan squad into a police unit.

For nationalists, ultras, and hooligans, who just yesterday fought with the police, such a turn of events was unexpected and ironic. But already in the first days of existence as an MIA unit, the 'little men' engaged in several battles and captured a whole minister of defense of the so-called 'DPR'. Thus was born the legendary 'Azov,' wrote the Third Storm.

Already a month after its establishment, the newly formed volunteer battalion liberated Mariupol. Andriy Biletsky convinced the skeptical command of the necessity of this bold operation. The 'Azov' battalion at that Time was armed with armored 'KAMAZs', ZU-23s, and 'Utyoses'. Among the fighters were 16-18 year old volunteers. After Mariupol, the battalion liberated Maryinka, Ilovaisk, and Shyrokine in September 2014, and also participated in the Pavlopilsko-Shyrokin actions in February 2015 and other combat operations.

On the front line, the 'Azov' battalion used the calm period to improve professionalism. A Military School named after Konovalets was established, sergeant courses were introduced, and a recruitment and training system for fighters was implemented. Thus, from several nationalist activists, one of the most professional and combat-capable units in Ukraine was formed.

During the Russian aggression in 2022, the 'Azov' battalion took the lead in the battle for Mariupol and created a legendary garrison at the 'Azovstal' plant. At the same time, 'Azov' veterans repelled enemy advances in Kyiv region, Kharkiv region, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and organized operations to rescue their comrades in the encircled Pryazovye.

In its message, the Third Storm noted: 'For their heroes, they died and were captured. We remember all those who fell on this path. And for their sake, we continue to fight for our country. Happy anniversary to everyone who was and remains a part of the 'Azov' family.'

The 11-year history of the 'Azov' battalion reflects their significant contribution to the war against Russian aggression and the defense of Ukraine. The battalion has become one of the most successful and professional volunteer units in the country, and its fighters continue to defend their homeland on the front.