Ukraine Azov battalion denies neo Nazi association

Ukraine s Azov battalion has been the main force defending the city of Mariupol. The group has a reputation for fighting fiercely, but it has also said to hold farright views. In 2016 the United Nations accused it of violating international humanitarian law. In 2019, 40 US congress members unsuccessfully tried to designate the Azov as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. Russian President Vladimir Putin referenced the presence of such units within the Ukrainian military as one of the reasons for launching his socalled special military operation to demilitarise and deNazify Ukraine. The unit has denied it adheres to Nazi ideology as a whole, but Nazi symbols such as the swastika and SS regalia are rife on the uniforms and bodies of Azov members. The Azov battalion understands it has a neonazi image problem but to change it will require support from the rank and file, many of whom are suspected of having farright links. Al Jazeeras Imran Khan reports from the Ukrain