Interior Minister Discusses Operational Situation with Azov Commander

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko conducted an important meeting on Wednesday with Denys 'Redis' Prokopenko, the commander of the National Guard's 1st Corps 'Azov', during his working visit to the Donetsk region. The primary focus of their discussion was the combat situation in the area, as well as the logistical needs and requirements of the units engaged in active combat operations.

Klymenko highlighted that as part of his visit, he also introduced new leaders for the regional departments of the National Police and the State Emergency Service (SES) in Donetsk Oblast. Mykola Matviyenko has been appointed as the head of the Donetsk police, while Yakiv Nemykiv will lead the regional SES. The minister emphasized that the newly appointed leaders possess extensive experience serving in Donetsk Oblast and are well-acquainted with the challenges facing the region.

Among the key tasks facing the police and SES in Donetsk, Klymenko identified the safety of citizens, rapid response to threats, preservation of personnel, and establishing clear cooperation with local authorities, as well as with other components of Ukraine's security and defense forces.

The minister also reported that he held an operational meeting with commanders of the combat units of the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, and the police. According to him, Commander Denys 'Redis' Prokopenko provided an update on the situation along the front lines, where they discussed the combat conditions, logistical support, and the needs of units operating in the conflict zone.

Klymenko noted that in March alone, units of the National Guard's 1st Corps 'Azov' neutralized over 2,800 enemy combatants, shot down more than 5,000 enemy drones, struck over 90 artillery systems, and destroyed over 400 units of enemy equipment. These figures reflect a high level of efficiency and professionalism among Ukrainian military personnel, who continue their fight for the country's independence.

Furthermore, the minister informed about his meeting with regional leadership and representatives from frontline communities. He stressed that since the beginning of April, Russian forces have shelled Donetsk Oblast more than 120 times, resulting in 19 fatalities and 47 injuries. This data underscores that the main security challenges remain the protection of civilians and the evacuation from dangerous areas, which are priorities for Ukrainian law enforcement during this difficult time.