On February 24, Vladimir Putin framed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a move to de-Nazify and demilitarize the country. The Kremlin argued that far-right militias were widespread in Ukraine, using this claim to justify aggression. It presented the issue as an internal Ukrainian dispute, yet the situation reflects broader regional dynamics that also concern Russia.
The discussion gained prominence after Ukraine’s 2014 uprising known as Euromaidan. Ultra-nationalist and neo-Nazi football clubs contributed to the formation of the Azov Battalion in opposition to Moscow-backed governance. As Donetsk and Luhansk proclaimed independence from Kyiv, Ukraine faced a volatile mix of actors. The first commander, Andriy Biletsky, spoke of leading a white-race struggle against those he described as Semitic subhumans.
In the Donbas region, military developments shaped Ukraine’s security needs. The regular army faced shortages, prompting Kyiv to place the Ukrainian National Guard under its control and funding. This move integrated the Azov unit into the national defense structure and brought it into Western training programs, including support from Canada. The United Nations has raised concerns that Azov engaged in abuses in Donbas, including mistreatment of detainees and actions affecting Roma and LGBTQ communities.
Ukraine is a multiethnic nation with a democratically elected government. President Volodymyr Zelensky is Jewish, and anti-Semitism is prohibited by law. Observers note that some elites tolerated fringe groups for strategic reasons, even as the broader society did not share their views. A regional analyst notes that in 2019 the far right received a small vote share, around 2.15 percent, yet the persistence of legitimization can fuel revisionist history that honors controversial figures from the past. The discussion includes references to historic nationalist leaders who collaborated with German forces during the Second World War. These points are commonly discussed by geopolitical analysts and researchers to provide context for the current situation.
Ukraine, a site of ultranationalist currents
Since 2014, Donbas has become a focal point for far-right extremists, with neo-Nazi and white-supremacist groups seeking to learn combat techniques. A scholar described the scene as offering training opportunities similar to other conflict zones. The analysis warns that instability can attract extremists who aim to export tactics abroad.
Neo-Nazi militias such as Azov and the Misanthropic Division have used online networks to spread propaganda and recruit beyond national borders. Estimates indicate the core group grew significantly, drawing supporters from nationalist movements abroad. News outlets have noted interest from groups in the United States, Spain, Germany, and Sweden in joining these ranks, a development that surprised many observers.
There have been reports of individuals traveling to support Ukrainian or far-right networks, including youths with extremist histories seeking to join the conflict or align with nationalist causes in Europe. Law enforcement and investigative outlets emphasize ongoing challenges in preventing cross-border recruitment.
Spanish neo-Nazi circles have circulated material that claims to guide those who wish to join Ukrainian right-wing militias. They publish links and informational content while cautioning readers about legal risks, yet such material continues to circulate. Security services remain concerned about cross-border extremist engagement.
— Miquel Ramos’s social feed and related coverage highlight how digital networks spread extremist content. Analysts stress the need for vigilance as online platforms host materials that can glamorize or normalize violent ideologies.
Global security implications
The online space is central to recruiting and spreading extremist content. Telegram, 4chan, and short-video platforms are cited as avenues for radicalization. Experts observe that ultranationalist groups maintain a presence in diverse online spaces, with propaganda that blends cruelty and nationalism. Researchers warn about the risk that such material strengthens support for extremist causes.
Scholars warn that Ukraine has become a testing ground for guerrilla tactics that could inspire domestic violence. A 2019 international statement urged Kyiv to curb the spread of violent far-right networks on Ukrainian soil. The evolution of the conflict, coupled with fluctuating Western military deliveries, has complicated counter-extremism efforts and heightened concerns about the longer-term impact of armed ultranationalist groups.
Russia and the ultranationalist thread
Russian state messaging has often tied Ukraine to a Nazi regime to delegitimize Kyiv’s military actions. Caught between competing historical narratives, some radicals traveled to eastern Ukraine to align with pro-Russian separatists. The movement around Russia’s post-Soviet imperial projects has drawn supporters who advocate a return to governance shaped by ethnocentric views.
Several factions in the broader ultranationalist landscape have attracted attention for their ties to or support from Russia. Online mobilization and real-world recruitment for these movements raise concerns about cross-border activity. The narrative has included calls tied to a shared ethno-national identity and a wide range of geopolitical goals.
In this context, the Wagner Group stands out as a private force involved in Moscow’s conflicts across multiple theaters. Led by a controversial figure, this organization has been linked to operations beyond Ukraine. The use of private military contractors raises ongoing questions about accountability and the use of force abroad.