Putin's claim of fighting against Ukraine 'neo-Nazis' distorts history, scholars say

The article discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin's justification for invading Ukraine, which he framed as a "denazification" effort, drawing parallels to World War II. Critics, including scholars and experts, argue that this rhetoric distorts history and misrepresents the current Ukrainian government, which is led by a Jewish president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had relatives perish in the Holocaust. The article mentions Russia's accusations towards Western nations of ignoring alleged war crimes in Ukraine and fostering neo-Nazism and Russophobia. Critics argue that while Ukraine has right-wing extremists, their presence does not justify Russia's aggression. The article also discusses the impact of Putin's historical narratives on Russian and international perceptions, highlighting criticism towards Putin's distortion of history for political ends. Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing historical facts, pushing back against disinformation, and holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.