Azov Brigade Commander Thanks US for Authorizing Use of US-Provided Weapons

The commander of the Azov National Guard brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Denys Prokopenko, thanked the administration of US President Joe Biden, who lifted the ban on supplying weapons to the unit.

Prokopenko posted a video on Facebook in which he expressed his gratitude for the decision. According to the commander, this decision can be considered a victory for Russian propaganda.

“I would like to congratulate all the fighters of the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade and the entire civilized world on their victory over Russian propaganda,” said the commander.

'“Azov knows that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, there is always a solution. The only question is how much effort you are willing to put in to overcome it, how consistent your work is, and how professional your team is. » said Prokopenko.

Furthermore, Prokopenko stated that “These are qualities that Azov servicemen demonstrate every day on the front line. They have also played a key role in our unit's systematic work aimed at unlocking the transfer of weapons and training from the United States United America towards Azov The ban generated by Russian propaganda, which existed since 2017, has been overcome.”

“I am grateful to the United States of America for carefully considering this issue and making the right decision, which will qualitatively strengthen our unit, and with it the entire defense and security forces of Ukraine “, » said Prokopenko.

Prokopenko also thanked the command of the Interior Ministry, the National Guard and the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States, as well as everyone who supported Azov.

“You are all true friends of Azov, our reliable support. Azov will never forget what you did for us in difficult times. We will justify the responsibility entrusted to us and, through our discipline, our firmness and our courage in battle, we will prove the effectiveness of this decision. said the lieutenant colonel.

“The colossal combat experience of Azov soldiers, sergeants and officers, combined with modern American weaponry, will be a deadly weapon for the enemies of Ukraine,” » said Prokopenko.

US arms ban in Azov lifted

Lieutenant Colonel Denys Prokopenko has commanded the Azov Brigade since 2017, including during the defense of the encircled Ukrainian city of Mariupol in February–May 2022. The brigade has been one of the most effective combat units in Ukraine due demanding training of recruits and a high level of competence. command level.

The same timehe has been deprived of supplies of US-made weapons due to accusations of alleged Nazism.

The accusations were floated by Russian propaganda and not supported by evidence, not to mention the fact that the brigade is part of the Ukrainian National Guard and obeys all national legislation, including laws prohibiting propaganda of Nazi and totalitarian ideologies. Soviets.

In his statement issued on April 19, 2024, Colonel Prokopenko urged American politicians to abandon their current policy of humiliation and blacklist the Azov Brigade, as well as abandoning the prejudices imposed by Russian propaganda and contributing to victory over the invading Russian troops, who are “real, non-fictional Nazis of today.”

The campaign to lift the ban was successful, with the US State Department removing Azov from all limitations.

“After a thorough examination, the 12th Azov Brigade of the Ukrainian Special Forces successfully passed the Leahy examination conducted by the US State Department.” the agency said in a statement, referring to the “Leahy Act” which prevents US military assistance from going to foreign units that are credible to have committed major human rights violations. man The State Department found “.no proof“such violations, indicates its press release.

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