ROLE IN MARIUPOL

The Azov Regiment  played a leading role in recapturing Mariupol from pro-russian fighters in June 2014. During that year, Mariupol changed hands several times as Kyiv's forces battled Russia-backed separatists

As Russia took control  of more and more parts of Mariupol, Azov based itself mostly in the Azovstal steel works, one of Europe’s biggest metallurgical plants

For many, Azov  embodies Ukraine’s determination to fight Russia, which Zelensky says is bent on destroying the nation