We do not worship the ashes – we keep the fire alive. Commander of “Azov” Denys Prokopenko “Redis” congratulated on the anniversary of the founding of the UPA

“Many years ago, long before the Russians invaded Ukraine in 2014, we were young men deeply in love with Ukraine’s military history. The Ukrainian Insurgent Army, the Liberation Struggle, the underground fight for Ukraine’s freedom by past generations meant everything to us. The names of Roman Shukhevych, Yevhen Konovalets, Petro Bolbochan, Vasyl Kuk, and other outstanding Ukrainian military figures were the most important guiding stars. And October 14, Pokrova, the Day of the UPA’s founding, was a significant holiday.

Years have passed, and what we once read about in books has become our daily reality. The same enemy. The same inhuman cruelty of the occupiers towards Ukrainians. And the same fury towards the enemy.

On this day, we do not worship the ashes. We keep the fire alive. The same fire that burned in the UPA’s underground bunkers. The fire that burns away weakness, fear, and despair in our hearts. The fire that is manifested in the volleys of our weapons, and that our enemies fear so much.

I congratulate the personnel of the 12th Azov Brigade on this day. You are all worthy of carrying this fire forward. You have proven this with your courage, your sweat and blood, and your indomitable will to fight. When I hear our soldiers, who have just returned from captivity, eager to rejoin the ranks; when I see yesterday’s recruits fearlessly engaging in battle, stopping Russian assaults; when I think of all those who fell in combat and those who have held on for nearly two and a half years in captivity, I am more convinced than ever – you are the best thing that could have happened to Ukraine.

I am certain that the UPA soldiers, watching your daily actions, are proud of you and smile, knowing that the cause of defending Ukraine is in reliable hands. One couldn’t dream of better successors.

Remember, in the darkness of bloody battles, you possess something that will never betray you and will remain with you forever. The fire that has illuminated the path for thousands upon thousands of Ukrainian knights before you.

Glory to Ukraine!”

Let us recall that after the transition of the OCU and UGCC to the New Julian calendar, the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine were moved to October 1. Meanwhile, the founding day of the UPA, according to historical documents, likely falls on October 14, 1942.”

Lyudmyla Klishchuk

Tags: Azov battalion Denys Prokopenko russia ukraine war