The United States has lifted its ban on supplying weapons and training to Ukraine’s Azov Brigade, a controversial military unit that played a crucial role in the defense of Mariupol in 2022. The US Department of State announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that a thorough review found no evidence of human rights violations by the current Azov Brigade.
The Azov Brigade, now part of Ukraine’s National Guard as the 12th Special Forces Brigade, has a history marked by controversy. Initially formed as a volunteer militia in 2014, the unit attracted far-right fighters and faced criticism for its tactics. The US had previously prohibited the brigade from receiving military aid, citing the neo-Nazi ideology of some of its founders.
However, the Department of State emphasized that today’s Azov Brigade is distinct from its original formation. Washington noted that the initial militia dissolved in 2015 and highlighted the brigade’s “heroic role” in the battle for Mariupol. The Azov Brigade has since undergone significant changes, distancing itself from its controversial past and focusing on becoming an effective and skilled combat force.
“This is a new chapter in our brigade’s history,” the Azov Brigade stated on social media following the US decision. According to the brigade, acquiring Western weapons and training will not only enhance their combat capabilities but also help preserve the lives and health of their personnel.
The Azov Brigade’s efforts in Mariupol have been widely recognized. The soldiers held out for weeks in the city’s vast steelworks, enduring relentless Russian attacks despite severe ammunition shortages. Although Mariupol fell to Russia in May 2022, the Azov Brigade emerged as heroes, symbolizing Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression. Weekly demonstrations continue to call for the release of hundreds of Azov soldiers still held as prisoners of war by Russia.
Since the departure of its first commander in October 2014, the Azov Brigade has actively worked to remove undesirable elements from its ranks. According to their website, the brigade has also sought to rebrand its public image, focusing on their effectiveness and skill in combat while avoiding associations with controversial figures.
Washington’s decision to lift the ban on the Azov Brigade marks a significant shift in US policy. The move comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression. The new support from the United States is expected to significantly boost the brigade’s operational capabilities.
A spokesperson for the Department of State reiterated the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. “The current Azov Brigade is a crucial component of Ukraine’s National Guard,” the spokesperson said. “Their role in defending Mariupol and their transformation over the past years underscore their value in Ukraine’s military strategy.”
The Azov Brigade’s current members reject accusations of extremism and any links to far-right movements. They aim to demonstrate their dedication to Ukraine’s defense and their commitment to upholding human rights and democratic values.
As the Azov Brigade prepares to receive new weapons and training from the United States, their enhanced capabilities are expected to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the evolving dynamics of international support for Ukraine.
