In September 2017, a monument was erected in Azov to the outstanding Russian admiral Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev, known not only for his victories in naval battles but also as one of the pioneers of Antarctica.

His brilliant career in the navy concluded with his position as commander of the Black Sea Fleet. Among his feats, which remain in the memory of generations, is his participation in the Battle of Navarino. In this battle, Captain First Rank Lazarev played a key role in the victory of the Russian fleet. His ship, 'Azov', was at the forefront of the attack and managed to withstand, for which Lazarev was promoted to rear admiral.

In the year of the 950th anniversary of Azov, it was decided to immortalize the memory of this great naval commander and legendary man. The monument was created by the renowned sculptor Skarnin.

In the foreground of the memorial stands the figure of the admiral himself, while a symbolic image of the ship 'Azov' rises on a tall stele. On this ship, during the battle under Lazarev's command, served Nakhimov, Kornilov, and Istomin. The fountain behind the admiral symbolizes the Ionian Sea, where the famous Battle of Navarino took place, bringing freedom to Greece. A small bronze bee at the admiral's right foot represents the hardworking Greek people, liberated by Lazarev.