The United States has lifted restrictions on providing weapons and training to Ukraine’s Azov Brigade, a prominent military unit that has faced accusations of far-right ties, the State Department announced on Tuesday.
The decision removes obstacles that had prevented the Azov Brigade from participating in Western military exercises and receiving weapons purchased with American funds. This move is expected to enhance the brigade’s combat effectiveness, particularly at a critical juncture during Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Azov Brigade, now integrated into Ukraine’s National Guard as the 12th Special Forces Brigade, underwent the Leahy vetting process, which assesses foreign military units for human rights violations. According to the State Department, there was found to be no evidence of Gross Violations of Human Rights (GVHR) committed by the brigade.
“This marks a new chapter in our unit’s history,” the Azov Brigade stated on Instagram. “Azov is becoming even more powerful, professional, and dangerous for occupiers.”
Access to Western weapons and training from the United States is not only expected to increase the combat capabilities of the Azov Brigade but also contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of its personnel, the statement added.
The Azov Brigade, known as one of Ukraine’s most effective fighting units, gained renown for its defense of Mariupol during Russia’s invasion in 2022. Despite severe ammunition shortages and relentless Russian attacks, Azov soldiers held their ground at Mariupol’s steel mill, becoming symbols of Ukrainian resilience.
In Ukraine, the brigade is celebrated as heroes, and public support remains strong, with regular rallies demanding the release of Azov prisoners of war held by Russia since 2022.
Since its formation as the Azov Battalion in 2014 to combat Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, the brigade has faced criticism over its ultranationalist origins. However, its current members reject allegations of extremism and deny ties to far-right movements.
Meanwhile, Moscow has consistently portrayed the Azov Brigade as a Nazi group and accused it of committing atrocities, although no credible evidence has been presented. In 2022, Russia’s top court officially designated Azov as a terrorist organization.
The lifting of the US ban on the Azov Brigade is seen as a significant development in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, with hopes that it will bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
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