Stanford Quietly Removed Azov Battalion From Extremist Group List
Sputnik International
Earlier this month, the State Department lifted its ban on providing weapons to the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion. A month before, the Stanford Mapping Militants Project (MMP) quietly removed the group’s profile from its list of “violent militant or extremist organizations.”
The Azov Battalion, now named the 12th Special Purpose Brigade Azov, has ties to neo-Nazi groups despite its rebranding. The group continues to use Nazi iconography and has been accused of human rights violations.
The removal of Azov from the MMP list has raised questions about State Department policies. The Azov Battalion’s connections to extremist groups have been well-documented, leading to concerns about US funding and support.
Last week, reports surfaced about continued funding of the Azov Battalion by the State Department, even after the ban was lifted. The situation highlights the complex issues surrounding international relations and support for controversial groups.
*Azov Battalion is a terrorist organization banned in Russia. ** Facebook and its parent company Meta have been banned in Russia for extremist activities.