For those not in the know, the Azov Battalion was originally a volunteer unit that was founded by far-right figures (and admittedly, and somewhat bizarrely, partially funded by a Jewish-Ukrainian oligarch). However, in 2015, it was folded into the Ukrainian National Guard, and subsequently subjected to the ordinary controls on recruitment and retainment (ie active neonazis were kicked out).
There is some suggestion that the unit still has elements of a far-right culture that linger, but it would be disingenuous to continue calling them a neonazi unit, as recruits from all over Ukraine regardless of leaning or origin; Jewish, Liberal, Leftist, etc; have been assigned to the unit through normal channels and very few of the original members remain.
I appreciate that you are trying to keep a nuanced view of things and not trying to support an ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend’ mindset. Unironically, I absolutely agree with your stance regarding not supporting Nazis even when a common foe is about.
However, as outlined, Azov is, at this point, not much more than an ordinary Ukrainian National Guard unit with a sordid origin and a very questionable symbol it’s retained from that, not unlike the symbol of Finland’s air force.
Look at the armband. This is Azov neonazi propaganda.
The wolfsangel is a nazi symbol.
https://youtu.be/3ToEvz-7trY
I would actually like them if they weren’t nazis.
I support the ukrainian people’s fight against russian fascism, but will nevet support ukrainian fascists.
Nazis that fight for their Jewish president… But yes. The Russian propaganda is more important than facts.
I appreciate that you are trying to keep a nuanced view of things and not trying to support an ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend’ mindset. Unironically, I absolutely agree with your stance regarding not supporting Nazis even when a common foe is about.
However, as outlined, Azov is, at this point, not much more than an ordinary Ukrainian National Guard unit with a sordid origin and a very questionable symbol it’s retained from that, not unlike the symbol of Finland’s air force.