Azov Special Operations Regiment Becomes ‘Separate Assault Brigade’ With Ukrainian Army’s Ground Forces

Recruits of the Azov Ukrainian volunteer battalion take their oaths during a ceremony in Kyiv, on Aug. 14, 2015. Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images

The special operations forces of the “Azov” regiment have become the Third Separate Assault Brigade as part of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, according to officials.

Andriy Biletskyi, the founder and first commander of the unit, a controversial unit of the National Guard of Ukraine with alleged ties to neo-Nazis, confirmed the news on Telegram.