Fact Check: "Ukrainian army nazis"
What We Know
The claim that there are "Ukrainian army nazis" primarily refers to the Azov Brigade, a unit of the National Guard of Ukraine that has drawn significant controversy due to its historical ties to far-right groups and alleged neo-Nazi ideology. The Azov Brigade was founded in 2014 as a volunteer militia to combat Russian-backed forces in the Donbas region and was later incorporated into the National Guard of Ukraine in November 2014 (Azov Brigade).
The unit has been associated with various far-right organizations, including the Patriot of Ukraine and the Social-National Assembly, which have been linked to ultranationalist and neo-Nazi ideologies (Azov Brigade, The dangers of ignoring Ukraine's neo-Nazis). Observers note that while the brigade has attempted to distance itself from these associations since its integration into the regular military, some experts argue that elements of far-right ideology persist within the unit (Azov Brigade, The Western Media Is Whitewashing the Azov Battalion).
Moreover, Russian officials have frequently used the term "neo-Nazis" to describe Ukrainian forces, including during recent discussions at the United Nations, where claims were made about the presence of "neo-Nazis" at a wake for a Ukrainian soldier (Russia claims `neo-Nazis' were at wake for Ukrainian soldier in village). This narrative serves as a justification for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, as President Putin has framed the invasion as a "denazification" effort (Azov Brigade).
Analysis
The claim that there are "Ukrainian army nazis" is partially true, as it is grounded in the historical context of the Azov Brigade's formation and its early associations with far-right ideologies. The brigade's origins are linked to various nationalist groups, and its members have been accused of using neo-Nazi symbols and engaging in human rights violations (Azov Brigade, The dangers of ignoring Ukraine's neo-Nazis).
However, it is essential to critically assess the reliability of sources making these claims. Russian state media and officials often label Ukrainian forces as "neo-Nazis" to support their narrative and justify military actions, which raises questions about the objectivity of such claims (Russia claims `neo-Nazis' were at wake for Ukrainian soldier in village). Additionally, while some independent researchers highlight the presence of far-right elements within Ukraine, others argue that the Azov Brigade has undergone a process of depoliticization since its integration into the National Guard (Azov Brigade, The Western Media Is Whitewashing the Azov Battalion).
The complexity of the situation means that while there are indeed elements within the Ukrainian military that have far-right affiliations, the broader narrative of the Ukrainian army being predominantly composed of "nazis" is an oversimplification and often a tool of propaganda.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that there are "Ukrainian army nazis" is partially true, as it reflects the historical associations of the Azov Brigade with far-right groups and neo-Nazi ideology. However, the use of this label is often politicized and employed by Russian officials to justify their military actions. The situation is nuanced, with ongoing debates about the extent to which these ideologies persist within the brigade and the Ukrainian military as a whole.
