Azov Battallion opens up on new patronage service following criticism

Source: Azov Battalion

The 12th National Guard Brigade “Azov” has clarified its position over the a new ‘support service’ it created for its soldiers after it drew criticism from the “Angels of Azov” patronage service.

Soon after September POWs swaps that saw several Azov soldiers return to Ukraine, Azov senior commander Denys Prokopenko said his brigade will have a new service unit called “Azov. Suprovid.” that will aid wounded soldiers, handle the burials of fallen “Azov” members, and provide support to their families.

“Angels of Azov” patronage service though claimed the new unit could cause “chaos and collapse,” as it creates the situation where their duties can overlap.

“Despite the creation of a new service, we will continue our work supporting fighters, with backing from the 3rd Assault Brigade,” the Patronage Service said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that families of Azov soldiers now could face confusion over whow they need to approach.

“Azov. Surpovid” tried to clarify the situation arguing that new support services for Defense Forces units were introduced according to a new government policy.   The Azov leadeship also argued “Angels of Azov” is not an official part of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade “Azov” of the National Guard, as it is “formally affiliated with another brigade”.

Similar support services will soon be implemented in other brigades as well.

“We were genuinely surprised by the public reaction from ‘Angels of Azov,’ as this initiative was actually introduced by activists from their own service,” the new support service said in their statement, adding that “Angels of Azov” knew “Azov. Suprovid” was going to add a new unit and reached out to offer assistance.

“Azov. Suprovid” said it is not about ‘rivalry’ or ‘chaos’ as the newly established service is now involved only in a rehabilitation program for the Ukrainian POWs returned in the last two prisoner-of-war swaps.