Azovism is the political ideology of Azov Battalion Founder Andriy Biletski and the Azov Battalion until he left it in 2016. He is often a scapegoat of Russian Propaganda, despite Azov nowadays not being overtly far right, with only some of the members having neo-Nazi belief since most of them are now members of the Far-Right National Corps party of Ukraine.
The ideology preaches Russophobia and anti-Semitism.
History
According to right‑wing radicalism researcher Vyacheslav Likhachev, Azov had many roots. For example, Jewish activist Nathan Khazin has described a group of around 26 activists in the Automaidan movement in 2013 who he said formed the backbone of Azov, while other sources emphasise the presence of former Patriot of Ukraine activists.
Neo-Nazism
The unit has drawn controversy since its founding over its early and allegedly continuing association with far-right groups and neo-Nazi ideology, and its use of controversial symbols linked to Nazism. Some experts have been critical of the regiment's role within the larger far-right Azov Movement, while others argue that the regiment has changed since its integration into the National Guard, tempering far-right elements and distancing from the movement. Alexander Ritzmann, a Senior Advisor to the Counter Extremism Project, wrote of the Azov Battalion: "when your country is under attack by foreign invaders, it is understandable that Ukrainians will not focus on the political views of their co-defenders, but on who can and will fight the invaders".
Leadership and organisation
Sham trials in Russia
Relationships
Friends
- Banderaism - BANDERA IS OUR FATHER!
- National Capitalism - I love your ultranationalism and hate for ((( communists))).
- Nazism - Heil Azov! 卐 ꑭ
- White Nationalism - We must unite the white race against the (((Semite-led Untermensch)))!
Frenemies
Enemies
- Polish Irredentism - You belong in Poland!
- Putinism - KILL KILL KILL