Commentary: Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem

The article discusses the growing problem of far-right vigilantes in Ukraine, who are using intimidation and violence to advance their agendas, often with the tacit approval of law enforcement agencies. It mentions a specific incident where members of the ultranationalist group, "National Militia," disrupted a city council meeting. Many members of this group come from the Azov movement, which uses Nazi-era symbolism and has been integrated into Ukraine's armed forces. Despite their assistance in defending Ukraine against Russian-backed separatists, these groups pose a long-term threat due to their intolerant ideologies. Recent unchecked vigilantism has created a climate of fear, with attacks on progressive activists and others. The article suggests that the incorporation of these groups into the armed forces and a sense of national indebtedness to them complicate the issue. It calls for President Petro Poroshenko(ex-president of Ukraine) and Western allies to take actions to uphold the rule of law and counteract the growing influence of far-right extremism in Ukraine.