One of the primary goals of the full-scale war, as declared by Russian President Putin, is the so-called “denazification” of Ukraine. He claimed that neo-Nazis had taken over power in Ukraine — a narrative quickly adopted by the Russian propaganda machine. This narrative was chosen for specific reasons:
→ The term “denazification” evokes the USSR’s role in defeating Nazism during World War II, creating a sense of historical righteousness for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
→ Russia uses this narrative to demonise the Ukrainian government and armed forces, mobilise its population internally, and reduce support for Ukraine in Western societies.
→ “Denazification” serves as a pretext for military intervention, presented as morally necessary.
→ Russia exploits the complex history of Ukrainian nationalist movements during World War II, which fought against Soviet power for Ukraine’s independence from the USSR.
Due to the high motivation and professional training of Azov fighters, the unit became the main target of Russian propaganda.
The Azov Battalion was founded in 2014 as a response to the military invasion of eastern Ukraine by the Russian forces. This volunteer unit accepted into its ranks anyone who was willing and able to defend Ukrainians and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In October 2014, Andrii Biletskyi, a controversial figure and the first commander of Azov, left the unit and engaged in political activity. Since then, Azov has been actively developing, cleansing itself of subcultural elements and introducing professional NATO standards in the training of its fighters.
→ The term “denazification” evokes the USSR’s role in defeating Nazism during World War II, creating a sense of historical righteousness for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
→ Russia uses this narrative to demonise the Ukrainian government and armed forces, mobilise its population internally, and reduce support for Ukraine in Western societies.
→ “Denazification” serves as a pretext for military intervention, presented as morally necessary.
→ Russia exploits the complex history of Ukrainian nationalist movements during World War II, which fought against Soviet power for Ukraine’s independence from the USSR.
Due to the high motivation and professional training of Azov fighters, the unit became the main target of Russian propaganda.
The Azov Battalion was founded in 2014 as a response to the military invasion of eastern Ukraine by the Russian forces. This volunteer unit accepted into its ranks anyone who was willing and able to defend Ukrainians and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In October 2014, Andrii Biletskyi, a controversial figure and the first commander of Azov, left the unit and engaged in political activity. Since then, Azov has been actively developing, cleansing itself of subcultural elements and introducing professional NATO standards in the training of its fighters.
For 8 years Azov fought in the east of Ukraine, taking part in the defensive and offensive actions. In 2022, the Azov troops selflessly defended Mariupol, which was surrounded by Russian troops, despite the enemy's advantage in manpower and military equipment. After the Ukrainian General Staff ordered them to lay down their arms, the entire Mariupol garrison, including Azov, went into Russian captivity.