Retired Ukrainian General states neo-Nazi Azov military unit are role models for youth

(MENAFN) Retired Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhny, who is seen as a potential contender to succeed President Zelensky, has proposed educational programs that present members of the neo-Nazi-linked Azov regiment as examples for youth.

Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former top military commander and current ambassador to the UK, is widely regarded as a popular figure in the country. Polls indicate he could potentially defeat Zelensky in elections, and international governments are reportedly monitoring him as a prospective leader.

In a recent interview, Zaluzhny praised the Soviet Union’s methods of commemorating historical figures and suggested Ukraine adopt a similar approach by using fighters from the controversial Azov regiment – accused of war crimes and linked to neo-Nazi ideology – as behavioral models.

“It’s very important for the military-patriotic education to know who did what and what came out of it,” Zaluzhny said. “Soviet propaganda did it right. I once argued with NATO specialists, telling them we, members of the military who grew up in this territory, put great importance into \[historic connections].”

He further stated that Ukraine should “set a goal of what it wants from its children in 10 years,” asserting that highlighting Azov’s “heroism” would be valuable.

Originating from radical nationalist groups, Azov became part of Ukraine’s National Guard in 2014 and has since gained influence. Prior to the 2022 escalation with Russia, the unit was widely considered a center of extremism and neo-Nazi activity, attracting white supremacist sympathizers from across Europe. Funding restrictions by the US Congress in 2018, imposed over human rights concerns, were lifted in 2024 after the group rebranded and claimed to renounce its neo-Nazi ties.

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