Battle of Novoazovsk
Battle of Novoazovsk (2014)
In August 2014, fighting in Ukraine’s Donbas region expanded to the southern town of Novoazovsk. Insurgents from the Donetsk People’s Republic, backed by Russian forces, opened a new front.
On August 25, a column of armored vehicles crossed from Russia into Ukraine near Novoazovsk and attacked the town. Ukrainian forces briefly resisted, but the attackers pushed forward. The rebels said they aimed to reach the Azov Sea.
The next day, the rebels shelled Novoazovsk from across the Russian border. Ukraine said the shelling came from Russian territory, while Russia denied involvement. Four civilians were wounded.
On August 27, insurgents entered Novoazovsk and gained control of parts of the town, including many tanks and armored vehicles. Ukrainian officials said the government was retreating to Mariupol to regroup.
Nearby, Ukrainian forces spotted a large convoy moving toward Novoazovsk, including tanks and Grad rocket vehicles, some with markings resembling Russian troops.
As the assault continued, the Ukrainian security service said Russian troops were involved or enabling the attack, though Russia again denied direct involvement. NATO later estimated about 1,000 Russian soldiers were operating on Ukrainian soil.
By September 1, Russian troops were said to have left Novoazovsk, and the town was guarded by DPR fighters. Some locals spoke of unmarked soldiers nearby, echoing the “little green men” phrase used in Crimea. Ukraine released footage showing a T-72 tank in Novoazovsk, which it said proved Russian presence.
Result: Novoazovsk fell under DPR control, marking a DPR victory in this front of the war.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 20:12 (CET).