what is the Azov battalion?

 The Azov Battalion is a far-right nationalist network of military, paramilitary, and political organizations based in Ukraine

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.  It was founded in May 2014 as the Azov Battalion, a volunteer paramilitary militia under the command of Andriy Biletsky to fight pro-Russian forces in the war in Donbas

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.  The Azov Battalion was later sanctioned by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry as a unit of the Special Tasks Patrol Police and became officially known as the "Azov" Battalion

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The Azov movement is a far-right all-volunteer infantry military unit whose members are ultra-nationalists and accused of harboring neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology

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.  The unit was initially formed as a volunteer group in May 2014 out of the ultra-nationalist Patriot of Ukraine gang and the neo-Nazi Social National Assembly (SNA) group

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.  The Azov Battalion has developed a reputation for fearlessness in battle and has been doing much of the frontline fighting in Ukraine's war with pro-Russia separatists

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.  The Azov Battalion has also been partially brought into the military and officially functions as a special police unit

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what is the ideology of the Azov battalion?

The ideology of the Azov Battalion has been a subject of controversy and debate. While spokesmen and members of the Azov Battalion have denied having any neo-Nazi or white supremacist beliefs

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, there is evidence linking the battalion to far-right and neo-Nazi ideology. Here is a summary of the information from the search results:

1. Association with far-right and neo-Nazi ideology: The Azov Battalion has been associated with white supremacists and neo-Nazi ideology
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   .  In its early days as an autonomous militia, the battalion embraced neo-Nazi emblems and paraphernalia
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   .  Members of the battalion have been reported to wear neo-Nazi and SS symbols and regalia
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   .  However, it is important to note that there are differing views on the extent of the battalion's ideological alignment with neo-Nazism.
2. Ultra-nationalism: The Azov Battalion and the broader Azov movement are characterized by ultra-nationalist beliefs
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   .  They promote a strong Ukrainian national identity and advocate for the protection of Ukrainian interests.
3. Ethnocentrism and homophobia: The Azov Battalion and the Ukrainian far-right more broadly have been associated with ethnocentrism and homophobia
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   .  These beliefs are part of their right-wing ideology.

It is important to note that the Azov Battalion is just one unit within the Ukrainian conflict, and not all Ukrainian soldiers or military units share the same ideology. The situation in Ukraine is complex, and there are multiple factions and motivations involved in the conflict.

What is the Azov battalion's relationship with the Ukrainian government?

The relationship between the Azov Battalion and the Ukrainian government is complex and multifaceted. Here is a summary of the information from the search results:

1. Official recognition: The Azov Battalion was initially formed as a paramilitary militia, but it was later sanctioned by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry as a unit of the Special Tasks Patrol Police and became officially known volunteer as the "Azov" Battalion
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   .  The Azov Battalion has also been partially brought into the military and officially functions as a special police unit
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2. Political party: The far-right National Corps party was founded in 2016, and it is closely associated with the Azov movement
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   .  The National Corps party has been involved in Ukrainian politics and has been represented in the Ukrainian parliament
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3. Criticism: The Azov Battalion and the broader Azov movement have been criticized for their far-right and neo-Nazi associations
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   .  Some Western governments have been accused of supporting the Azov movement, including sending weapons and trainers to help them wage a proxy war on Russia
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   .  However, it is important to note that not all Ukrainian soldiers or military units share the same ideology, and the situation in Ukraine is complex.

In summary, while the Azov Battalion has been officially recognized by the Ukrainian government and partially brought into the military, its far-right and neo-Nazi associations have been a subject of controversy and criticism.