Zelenskyi gave Denys Prokopenko the rank of brigadier general

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, decided to award a new military rank to the commander of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov”, Denys Prokopenko. The corresponding decree, which entered into force upon signing, officially approves this decision.

Denys Prokopenko, who heads the 1st corps of the Azov National Guard, received the rank of brigadier general in accordance with decree No. 195/2026. This document confirms the changes to the commander’s military status and takes effect on the date of signing, with corresponding adjustments to personnel documentation.

At the moment, Denys Prokopenko continues to perform his duties as the commander of the 1st corps of the Azov NSU. The assignment of the rank of brigadier general emphasizes the importance of his role and responsibility in the management of the unit.

It is also reported that Vladyslav Geraskevich was awarded the Order of Freedom after being disqualified from the 2026 Games. According to Decree No. 119 dated February 12, Vladyslav Geraskevych received this award after an incident that occurred before his performance at the 2026 Games. The Ukrainian athlete expressed his desire to compete in the “helmet of memory”, which perpetuates the fallen Ukrainian athletes, but was banned.

The President of Ukraine publicly supported Geraskevych after the incident, stressing the importance of uncovering the truth. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that “the truth cannot be inconvenient,” and characterized the helmet as “a reminder to the whole world about the realities of modern Russia.”