Ukraine deploys Azov veterans to command defense of Kramatorsk-Sloviansk as Russia presses Donbas offensive

Ukraine has formed two operational groupings to defend the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk urban area, both commanded by former Azov Brigade leaders: Andriy Biletsky leads the 'Center' grouping holding Sloviansk, and Denys Prokopenko commands the Azov grouping guarding Kramatorsk. This marks a notable reliance on battle-tested commanders from the Azov unit, which was reconstituted after the 2022 Mariupol siege. The outcome of the Donbas battle—and potentially the war—hinges on whether these defenses hold against the Russian offensive.

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