Azov

Azov refers to several related uses tied to the name of the geographic region around the Sea of Azov. The Sea of Azov is a shallow marginal sea of the Black Sea, located between Ukraine to the west and Russia to the northeast. It connects to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait and to internal river systems. The sea supports shipping, fishing, and regional fisheries, with major ports on both sides of the water body, including Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Ukrainian coast and Taganrog on the Russian coast. Its shallow depth and variable salinity influence local ecosystems and navigation.

The town of Azov is a settlement in Rostov Oblast, Russia, situated at the mouth of the Don River on the Sea of Azov. It serves as the administrative center of Azovsky District and has a history tied to regional trade, fortifications, and river navigation. The town’s economy and infrastructure are influenced by its port connections and proximity to the Don River and the sea.

Azov also refers to the Azov Regiment, a Ukrainian military unit formed in 2014 during the early stages of the War in Donbas. Originating as a volunteer battalion, it later came under the Ukrainian National Guard and has been described in various sources as having nationalist or far-right associations by some observers. The unit has fought in key battles in eastern Ukraine and played a prominent role in the defense of Mariupol and other operations. The designation and characterization of the group have varied across sources and over time.