Azov’s New Mission: Turning Mariupol Into a Target

The Azov Regiment, once pushed out of Mariupol in 2022, has returned with fresh plans to strike Russian forces. After suffering heavy losses when the city fell, Azov rebuilt itself into a larger unit that now focuses on disrupting Moscow’s supply lines. Last week, drones from the First Corps Azov flew over Mariupol’s port and hit power stations, repair shops and a sanctioned ship. The attack caused a blackout and showed that Ukraine’s strike campaign is moving farther from the front lines. Colonel Arsen Dmytryk, Azov’s chief of staff, said more operations like this will happen. He believes the goal is to weaken Russian logistics over time, even if it takes years to reclaim Mariupol. “If it takes twenty years we will plan for twenty, ” he told reporters, hinting that the regiment is patient and persistent. The drones also hit roads that Russian troops use to move fuel and supplies into the battle zone. By hitting key highways such as M14, H20 and a ring road around Donetsk, Azov forces aim to make Russian convoys travel longer routes or drive at night. Experts say this “cumulative” pressure can slow the enemy’s offensive momentum, even if it does not stop them outright.Azov’s drones are upgraded with Starlink internet and AI features that extend their range. These technical improvements were made by the unit itself, showing how it has grown from a volunteer battalion into a modern fighting force. The regiment’s leadership also stresses the importance of freeing prisoners captured during earlier battles, a cause that resonates with many Ukrainians. Russia has been slow to respond to these strikes. While it continues to occupy parts of southern Ukraine, the overall pace of its advance has slowed, and Ukrainian forces have begun to reclaim some ground. Analysts say that mid-range strikes like those from Azov could test whether Ukraine can eventually push back. The regiment’s actions reflect a broader strategy: keep Russian supply lines under constant threat, support prisoner‑release efforts, and maintain pressure on the front. Whether these tactics will finally bring Mariupol back into Ukrainian hands remains uncertain, but Azov’s persistence shows it is ready to keep fighting.