I met one of the most dangerous neonazis of Europe

Summary

This investigative documentary delves into the Azov Battalion's role in Ukraine's defense, exploring its controversial history and ties to far-right extremism. The video uncovers disturbing connections to neo-Nazism, violence, and radical ideology, focusing on key figures like Sergei Korotkik and Nikita Makevei. It also highlights the battalion's evolving membership, including foreign neo-Nazis, and the complex political and ideological motivations driving the conflict. Through interviews and field footage, the documentary sheds light on the battalion's operations, revealing the dangerous intersections between nationalism, violence, and international extremism.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Azov Battalion in Ukraine, originally formed as a paramilitary group, has gained international attention due to its fighters' association with neo-Nazi ideology, though it has since evolved significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
• 😀 The Azov Battalion's rise in recruitment during the 2022 invasion saw thousands of Ukrainians, along with some foreign fighters from Russia and Belarus, joining its ranks to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.
• 😀 The video highlights the presence of neo-Nazi symbols and affiliations within the Azov Battalion, particularly among its more radical factions, such as the use of runes, the 'Black Sun' symbol, and associations with neo-pagan beliefs.
• 😀 The Azov Battalion is not representative of all Ukrainians or of Ukraine's official military forces, as some members are from extremist backgrounds, though the group has transformed since the beginning of the war in 2022.
• 😀 Some fighters, like Belarusian neo-Nazis who joined the Azov Battalion, view the war as a struggle for European and white Christian values, claiming it is a war between good (Ukraine) and evil (Russia and Putin's regime).
• 😀 Ukrainian and Belarusian soccer hooligans, including members of the violent Dynamo Kyiv and Dynamo Minsk supporter groups, are active in the Azov Battalion, and their backgrounds in violence and radical ideology contribute to the battalion's notoriety.
• 😀 The reporter uncovered social media posts from Azov fighters that displayed neo-Nazi symbols, including swastikas and the '14/88' neo-Nazi code, linking them to white supremacy and far-right extremism.
• 😀 The reporter met with Dmytro Korchynsky, a well-known figure in Ukrainian radical nationalism and a founder of the 'Brotherhood' battalion, who has expressed ultra-nationalist, anti-Western, and anti-LGBTQ+ views, as well as advocating for a theocratic, Orthodox-inspired regime in Ukraine.
• 😀 Sergei Korotkik, a founder of the Azov Regiment, has a controversial past tied to violent neo-Nazi groups in Russia and Belarus. He is suspected of involvement in several murders and terrorist activities, including those tied to Russian nationalist organizations.
• 😀 The video sheds light on the complex and dangerous political environment surrounding the Azov Battalion, where ideological extremism, including neo-Nazism, is intertwined with the military's fight against Russia, raising concerns about its long-term implications for Ukraine's future.

Q & A

Who was Pavel Sheremet, and what was the nature of his work?

Pavel Sheremet was a Belarusian journalist known for his outspoken criticism of the authoritarian regime in Belarus under President Lukashenko. He was a dedicated human rights advocate and investigative journalist, particularly focused on issues of corruption and power, including the influence of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Sheremet was killed in 2016 in Kyiv by a bomb placed under his car, an event surrounded by many conspiracy theories.

Why did Pavel Sheremet move to Russia and then to Ukraine?

Sheremet moved to Russia after facing threats for his work denouncing the Belarusian regime. In Russia, he continued his critical journalism, particularly concerning Vladimir Putin's power. Fearing for his safety, he then moved to Ukraine, where he believed he could work more freely, though the dangers of his profession persisted.

What theories surround the death of Pavel Sheremet?

Many theories have emerged regarding Sheremet’s death, with one significant theory suggesting the involvement of Sergei Korotkik, a former member of the Belarusian KGB. An audio recording allegedly revealed a KGB official discussing Sheremet's assassination. However, no official proof has been provided, leaving the cause of death shrouded in mystery.

Who is Sergei Korotkik, and what is his alleged connection to Sheremet's death?

Sergei Korotkik is a former Belarusian KGB operative, linked to right-wing extremist groups and thought to have connections with Russia's FSB. Some believe Korotkik was involved in Sheremet's assassination, partly due to Sheremet’s suspicions about Korotkik’s role in the 2015 murder of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov.

How is Sergei Korotkik’s background relevant to the case of Sheremet’s death?

Korotkik’s past as a member of the KGB and his involvement with extreme right-wing groups under surveillance by Russia’s FSB are central to the suspicion surrounding his role in Sheremet’s death. His past activities and potential ties to Russian intelligence are seen as factors that complicate the investigation.

What is the significance of the Azov Battalion in the video?

The Azov Battalion is discussed in the context of its radical, far-right elements, which some believe could pose a risk to Ukraine’s stability. Sheremet had written about the integration of the Azov Battalion into the Ukrainian military, raising concerns about its potential influence on national security, especially with its connections to extremist ideologies.

How are neo-Nazi elements tied to the Azov Battalion?

The Azov Battalion has been associated with neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideologies, particularly in its early days. Some members of the battalion, including fighters from other countries, have been linked to far-right extremist groups. The presence of these elements has led to international scrutiny of the battalion, especially regarding its use of Nazi symbols and its ideological influences.

Who is Nikita Makevei, and why is he significant in this context?

Nikita Makevei, known by his code name 'Odyssey,' is a Ukrainian neo-Nazi who was involved with the Azov Battalion. His controversial past, including praise for Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, adds a layer of complexity to the Azov Battalion's association with far-right extremism.

What is the relationship between the far-right in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine as mentioned in the video?

The video highlights how far-right extremism is not confined to one nation but spans across Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. These movements often overlap, with individuals like Sergei Korotkik, who have ties to the Belarusian KGB and the Russian FSB, finding common cause with Ukrainian far-right militias like the Azov Battalion. This interconnectedness reflects the broader ideological struggle within the region.

What risks does the presence of far-right groups pose to Ukraine’s future?

The presence of far-right groups like Azov within Ukraine's military and society presents both internal and external risks. Internally, these groups may destabilize Ukraine’s political landscape by influencing national security policies and public opinion. Externally, their association with neo-Nazism can be used by adversaries, such as Russia, to undermine Ukraine’s legitimacy on the world stage.