Ukraine (Washington Insider Magazine)— The US has lifted a ban on giving weaponry and training to the Ukrainian Azov battalion, which was essential in defending the port city of Mariupol but has a contentious history. According to the US State Department, the “Leahy Law” prohibits military aid to foreign soldiers suspected of human rights violations.
Integration into National Guard
The 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade, originally formed as the Azov Battalion, was integrated into the Ukrainian National Guard in 2023. The unit has received praise for its defense’ efforts against Russian forces in Mariupol. This brigade approved the lifted ban, stating that US assistance would enhance their effectiveness and help protect their personnel.
Kremlin’s Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the US decision, accusing the US of “flirting with neo-Nazis,” as reported by Russian state news agency TASS.
Azov’s Evolution and Major Battles
According to CNN, the Azov Battalion, which was established as a militia to encounter Russia’s 2014 invasion, was active in Mariupol before being restructured into the Azov Special Police Regiment and eventually becoming part of the National Guard. In 2015, Azov fighters were instrumental in freeing Mariupol and fought key engagements in the Donetsk region.
Allegations and Denials
The Azov Brigade has consistently denied allegations of fascism, Nazism, and racism in response to claims of association with white supremacists and neo-Nazi ideology. The US State Department stated that Russian disinformation has aimed to discredit the unit, clarifying that the current 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade is unrelated to the original Azov Battalion that disbanded in 2015.
US Vetting and Findings
After applying the Leahy vetting process, the US State Department found no evidence of gross human rights violations committed by the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade. The Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, condemned Washington’s actions, calling the brigade an “openly nationalist formation” and expressing concern over US counter-terrorism approaches.
Symbol of Resistance
The Azov Brigade, along with other Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, became symbols of resistance in Mariupol, particularly during the 2022 bombing of a theater sheltering civilians. The brigade, along with others, refused to surrender at the Azovstal steelworks plant despite intense Russian attacks.
The lifting of the ban marks a significant shift in US policy, potentially increasing the capabilities of Ukrainian forces in their ongoing conflict with Russia.