Police investigate incident surrounding Ukrainian Azov Battalion in Ganshurin

Heroes or fascists?

The opinions surrounding the famous and at the same time infamous Azov Battalion are that Still has a strong online presence.are deeply divided.

For many Ukrainians, they are heroes of the nation. The militia was given heroic status during the Russian siege of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol in 2022. But it is also associated with far-right sympathies and associated symbols. For Russia, the Azov Battalion is proof of the need to “denazify” Ukraine.

According to some Western critics, the 3rd Assault Brigade is just a regrouping of the Azov Battalion, and the basic fascist philosophy is still present. But this is vehemently denied by its supporters. In this camp, one hears: “This is propaganda from Russia.”

“The Azov Battalion was controversial, but it’s not really any more,” says Marta Barandi, the driving force behind the Ukrainian propaganda. “It’s true that they are more combat-ready than the other battalions, but they are not fascists. They are patriots and nationalists.”

According to Barandi, who was the leader of the For You party in the recent European elections, this is not a recruitment event. “They just want to inspire people to support Ukraine, including financially.”