The Azov Movement: The Trajectory of a Far-Right Movement in Post-Euromaidan Ukraine

The Azov movement, which emerged in 2014 as a volunteer unit to counter the Russian aggression in the Donbas, has undergone various organizational transformations, eventually becoming a military unit entirely subordinated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Meanwhile, it also spawned a social movement, a non-governmental organization, and a political party – with a much broader freedom of action, which it used to criticize some public policies. The ideology and political objectives of Azov have been subject to intense scrutiny. Some scholars regard it as a far-right organization bent on assuming power in Ukraine. In contrast, others point to the gradual moderation of its initially illiberal tendencies and its acceptance of democratic premises. Given the movement’s ambiguous values, a related issue is whether Western states should support Azov with arms and training. Despite the controversies, Azov has played a significant role in the Russo-Ukrainian war, taking an active part in the most severe crisis in East-West relations since 1991.