Transformation of Ukraine's Azov Brigade
In June, the US State Department declared that it had removed its longstanding prohibition on providing weapons and training to Ukraine's infamous Azov Brigade, formerly known as the Azov Battalion. Since then, attempts to normalize Azov, which mainstream media had previously reluctantly acknowledged as steeped in "neo-Nazi ideology," have increased.
Members of Azov have never been hesitant to wear Nazi-inspired patches. The group hasn't changed, but the perception of them by their Western supporters has.
Dr. Marta Havryshko's Insight on Azov Brigade
Dr. Marta Havryshko, a Ukrainian scholar and historian, has highlighted this trend around Azov. She explains that while the group has "changed," it's not in the way Ukraine's supporters or Western media portrayals suggest. Here is her detailed critique:
The mantra of many liberal and progressive individuals in the West is that "Azov changed." They show sympathy for the Azov movement after February 24, 2022, whitewashing its past and justifying its present without worrying about its future. Yes, it has changed, but not in the way they think. Here are some indicators:
Expansion and Infiltration of Ukraine's Security Sector
Instead of one Azov regiment, there are now two brigades: the 12th in the National Guard and the 3rd in AFU. Another Azov unit, Kraken, operates under the direct supervision of Ukrainian Military Intelligence, led by Budanov.
Weaponry
The US lifted the ban on weapons to Azov due to lobbying and political convenience. Now, the group has all kinds of heavy weapons from the West and trains its members to use them against "external and internal enemies."
Overlooking Past Criminal Activity
Some Azov members were involved in criminal activities and were incarcerated before 2022 for gangsterism. However, they were released after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began and are now hailed and honored as "freedom fighters."
Media Support
Azov has a significant media presence. Many Ukrainian and foreign media outlets fall for the narrative of "elite brigades," "true patriots," and "just nationalists." They don't question Azov's ideology and avoid confronting Azov members directly with challenging questions about its ideology and political plans.
Backing from Experts
Some scholars and analysts deliberately minimize the role of radicalism and extremism in Azov, arguing that it is "depoliticized" and that claims about its threats to democracy are overstated and a product of Kremlin propaganda.
Indoctrination & Military Training of Youth
Centuria, a paramilitary Azov youth movement, has expanded its activities across Ukraine. It infiltrates schools, prepares youth for street violence, and is already used for political violence against LGBTQI+, feminist, and leftist activists.
Mobilization of Fear
Azov exploits the fear of Russia in Ukraine and beyond. Common slogans include: "They will kill all men and rape all women," "They will organize another Holodomor," "They will mobilize all men to the war against NATO," and so on.
In conclusion, Azov has indeed changed significantly after February 2022, but most importantly, the attitude of many liberals towards Azov has changed, not its very nature.
Bottom Line
The transformation of the Azov Brigade is a complex issue that raises many questions about the nature of change and the influence of external perceptions. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with Dr. Marta Havryshko's analysis? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
