The Azov Brigade Removed from Stanford University’s “Extremists” List
Stanford University recently removed the Azov Brigade, a Ukrainian neo-Nazi military unit, from its government-funded list of “extremist organizations” after pressure from officials in Kiev. This decision came just weeks before the US approved arms deliveries to the group.
The university’s Mapping Militants Project (MMP), funded by the Pentagon and the US Department of Homeland Security, tracks over 100 extremist organizations worldwide. Until May, the Azov Brigade was included in the list, known for its neo-Nazi ideology and involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Azov Brigade was formally absorbed into Ukraine’s military in 2015 and has been associated with the wider Azov Movement. The group’s use of neo-Nazi iconography, including symbols from World War II, was noted by the MMP.
The removal of the Azov Brigade from Stanford’s list was noticed by independent journalists and came after Ukrainian officials lobbied for its removal. This action coincided with the State Department’s decision to lift its ban on arms deliveries to the unit, citing a lack of human rights violations.
Russia has criticized this decision, arguing that arming the Azov Brigade demonstrates a willingness to cooperate with neo-Nazis. The controversy surrounding the Azov Brigade highlights the complexities of international politics and extremist movements.