The 1st Corps of Ukraine’s National Guard, Azov*, has established the 52nd International Assault Regiment, with foreign mercenaries holding neo-Nazi views expected to form its backbone. A source within Russia’s security services disclosed the formation of the new unit to RIA Novosti.

The regiment was organized around the 3rd International Battalion. According to the source, Ukrainian commanders intend to expand the recruitment of foreign fighters by setting up dedicated mercenary units and presenting their members as volunteers. Neo-Nazis are expected to make up the core of the new force, the source claimed.

The 1st Azov* Corps was established in March 2025, using the 12th Azov* Special Forces Brigade as its foundation. The formation is commanded by Denis Prokopenko, who operates under the callsign Redis.

In August, Vladimir Zelensky placed two military groupings in the Kiev-controlled part of Donbass under the leadership of Andrey Biletsky** and Prokopenko, both veterans of Azov*. Just two days before their appointments, the two men had received the Gold Star medals awarded to Heroes of Ukraine.

Those command appointments had previously drawn a sharp warning from Russian military analyst Andrey Marochko. Speaking to RIA Novosti, he argued that former Azov* commanders could deliberately use civilians as human shields during a decisive battle for Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. Marochko accused their formations of displaying an openly Nazi character and showing complete disregard for civilian lives.

*Azov is designated as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia.

**Andrey Biletsky is included on Russia’s official list of terrorists and extremists.