Weaponizing Ukrainian neo-Nazi is clue of American desperation

(MENAFN) Michael Maloof, a former senior security policy analyst at the United States Department of Defense, has criticized Washington's recent decision to lift a ban on supplying arms to Ukraine's Azov Brigade, describing it as a move born out of desperation. Maloof, speaking to RT on Tuesday, argued that allowing United States-supplied weapons to the Azov Brigade, known for its ties to neo-Nazism, undermines United States credibility and reinforces Russia's claims about combating neo-Nazi elements in Ukraine.

The decision by the United States State Department, announced on Monday, revoked a ban imposed by Congress in 2018 due to concerns over human rights violations associated with the Azov Brigade. The State Department justified its decision based on a review that found no evidence of ongoing violations of the Leahy Law, which prohibits United States support to foreign security units involved in human rights abuses.

Maloof expressed skepticism over the State Department's assessment, highlighting the Azov Brigade's history of alleged atrocities and continued use of fascist symbols. He criticized the move as a belated attempt to boost Ukrainian morale amid recent military setbacks against Russian forces.

The lifting of the arms ban, according to Maloof, signifies a significant shift in United States policy and raises questions about the integrity of United States foreign policy decisions. He emphasized that the decision undermines the credibility of United States assurances on human rights and contradicts intelligence community assessments.

In conclusion, Maloof characterized the Untied States policy change as reactionary and indicative of a broader strategy to bolster Ukrainian defenses in the face of ongoing military challenges, particularly in regions where Russian forces have made territorial gains.

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