The Presence of Neo-Nazi Elements in Ukrainian Nationalism: By Gene Stevens

 

 The Presence of Neo-Nazi Elements in Ukrainian Nationalism

Ukraine has a complex history with nationalism, particularly when it comes to movements that have been, or are, associated with neo-Nazi or far-right ideologies. This article exact these elements without delving into broader,  emotional, geopolitical defense or justification of ideologies.

Historical Context

• World War II Collaboration: During WWII, certain Ukrainian nationalist groups, notably the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), collaborated with Nazi Germany. Their actions included anti-Semitic and ethnic cleansing activities, which have left a lasting mark on how these groups are viewed historically.
• Post-War Influence: The legacy of these groups persisted through the Ukrainian diaspora and nationalist narratives within Ukraine, often glorifying the fight against Soviet rule while downplaying the atrocities committed.

Modern Manifestations

• Azov Battalion: Formed during the 2014 conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the Azov Battalion has been one of the most scrutinized for its neo-Nazi symbolism and ideology. Despite its integration into the National Guard of Ukraine, controversies over its symbols and members' beliefs persist.
• Other Far-Right Groups: Besides Azov, there are other far-right groups in Ukraine like C14, National Corps, and Right Sector, which have been linked to violent acts, hate speech, and promoting nationalist ideologies with neo-Nazi undertones.
• Political Influence: Far-right parties and their influence in Ukrainian politics are relatively small, but they have garnered attention for their aggressive nationalism and sometimes violent tactics during protests or clashes with minorities.

Issues and Controversies

• Symbolism and Denial: The use of symbols reminiscent of Nazi Germany, like the Wolfsangel, by some groups, has led to international criticism. Additionally, there's been contention over historical revisionism where some nationalist factions deny or minimize the collaboration with Nazis during WWII.
• Societal Impact: These groups have been implicated in racist attacks, notably against ethnic minorities, Roma communities, and the LGBTIQ+ community, raising concerns about human rights violations.
• International Perception: The presence of far-right elements in Ukraine has been used by various actors, including Russian, to shed light on Ukraine as a fascist state, which ironically has also been pointed out by conservative media outlets in the west.  Many Americans feel that U.S. involvment in Ukraine, especially the billions of US taxpayers dollars used for financial support of the war in Ukraine has been detrimental to world stability. Stopping the war in Ukraine was (is) also one of the targeted promises made by President Donald Trump when he ran for office. 

The existence of neo-Nazi elements within Ukrainian nationalism is undeniable. These groups, while they may not be representative of the majority of Ukrainians or the government's public stance, pose significant challenges in terms of national unity, human rights, and international relations. Addressing these issues requires acknowledging their presence and impact, separate from the broader geopolitical context of Ukraine's struggle for political  power. 

Further Reading:

• Reports on far-right groups from human rights organizations.
• Academic studies on Ukrainian nationalism and its historical ties to far-right ideologies.
• News articles focusing on specific incidents involving neo-Nazi groups in Ukraine.