Yurii Marchenko

“Azov” is one of Ukraine’s most well-known military units. Today marks its 12th anniversary. But behind the name lies more than just the heroic defense of Mariupol under complete encirclement or successful operations. It is a story of constant transformation, military innovation, and tangible battlefield results. Here are ten facts that help explain why “Azov” is more than just a unit.

Ukraine is working toward putting Vladimir Putin and Russia’s top leadership on trial through a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression, reviving a legal concept not used at this level since the Nuremberg Trials.

New evidence suggests Russia is using civilian passenger flights to move its troops to the Ukraine’s front, exposing both aircraft and those on board to military risk under international humanitarian law.

Besides being the largest nuclear disaster in history, Chornobyl became the moment when the Soviet system revealed its true nature to the world. This story did not end in 1986—it continues today in modern Russia.

There are no real names on Ukraine’s frontline radio—only “Peach,” “Witch,” “Da Vinci,” or “Bacon.” Behind each of these words is a story. Call signs, once merely communication codes, have become a language of war, where a single nickname can reveal more about a person than a passport.

This Russian soldier tried to flee the army three times. The first two ended in torture. The third saved his life—he surrendered to the Ukrainian forces.