They held "Azovstal" until the very end. What does the emblem of the brave "Azov" regiment signify?

All units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including their regiments, have their own unique patches with special stories. The 12th Special Purpose Brigade "Azov" is no exception.

"Telegraph" will explain what is depicted on the "Azov" patch and why. The "Azov" Battalion was established in May 2014 in Berdyansk.

The "Azov" fighters have participated in numerous battles since 2014, but in 2022, they faced a true challenge at "Azovstal." Surrounded entirely by Russian forces, the "Azov" fighters held their positions for a long time and fought valiantly for Mariupol until the very end.

According to the command of the "Azov" regiment, from February 24 to April 15, 2022, during the defense of Mariupol, the regiment eliminated around 2,500 enemy personnel and wounded over 5,000 Russian invaders.

What is depicted on the "Azov" patch

The regiment's patch has had several variations, but currently, the most common design features the intersection of the two letters I and N, symbolizing the main slogan of the "Azov" fighters — "Idea of the Nation". The letter "N" is styled in an old Ukrainian script, as it was written in ancient Russian and Cossack documents before the spelling reforms of Peter's time.

Additionally, the patch somewhat resembles the "Hook," which was very popular among the Volhynian nobility and Cossacks. The "Azov" unit has repeatedly stated that their symbolism is exclusively Ukrainian in nature, with no references to medieval German heraldry, let alone the symbolism of National Socialist Germany.

Moreover, it's common practice within the battalion to provide individual companies with their own patches. They believe: "These are marks of belonging to shared histories, common combat experiences. They are symbols and signs of internal brotherhood. They are earned in battle and hold value at the level of personal responsibility."

The tradition of creating and respecting the patches of individual units was established in "Azov" back during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO).

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on what is known about the patch of the illustrious 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade Ivan Syroko.