The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has elevated Denis Prokopenko, known by his call sign “Redis,” to the rank of brigadier general. This promotion recognizes Prokopenko’s leadership as the commander of the National Guard of Ukraine’s Azov regiment.
Zelensky’s decree specifies, “To confer the military rank of brigadier general on Colonel Prokopenko Denis Hennadiyovych, commander of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine ‘Azov.'” Prior to this promotion, Prokopenko held the rank of colonel.
Denis Prokopenko, a decorated soldier and Hero of Ukraine, gained prominence for his role in the defense of Mariupol. Born on June 27, 1991, in Kyiv, he graduated from the Kyiv National Linguistic University with a degree in German Philology.
Before embarking on his military career, Prokopenko was an active participant in the ultras movement of the Dynamo Kyiv football club. His military journey began in July 2014 when he joined the then-battalion Azov, gradually rising through the ranks to become a regiment commander.
Prokopenko gained international recognition during the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, particularly for leading the 86-day defense of Mariupol and the Azovstal plant, which was under complete siege. In May 2022, he was captured by Russian forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promoted Denis Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment, to brigadier general, acknowledging his significant military contributions. Prokopenko, a key figure in the defense of Mariupol, has a notable background in both sports and military service.