counter_violent
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CV,
I suspect you didn't watch that UnHerd interview with the excellent Freddie Sayers that I posted earlier. Do please watch it because, in spite of what you might believe, the Neo-Nazi Azov battalion is a very real issue impacting the conflict in a number of ways (and they're just one of a number of such groups). Although small in number, and their views aren't supported by the vast majority of Ukrainians, their influence on the military and political classes is considerable. If you want to be fair and balanced in your appraisal of the situation, then you have to take them into account. Even Gabriel Gatehouse - an experienced BBC corespondent - did a mini documentary on this for Newsnight a few years ago. (I can dig it out if you'll watch it.) The point being that the Nazi issue really isn't nonsense made up by Putin and those seeking to discredit Zelensky - it's been well known and documented for many years. And the problem for Zelensky is that - for the time being - he wants and needs the Azov soldiers as they're well trained and well armed fighters. However, if he agrees to any Russian demands, then the Azov battalion could easily turn against him - at which point he's not only got Putin after him but, potentially, soldiers from within his own armed forces. He's in a tight spot. Sure, it's complicated and nuanced, but I assure you it absolutely ain't science fiction. Can't comment on the drug addicts - not heard that one before!
Tim.
And a mighty fine job they are doing too.
Fancy them standing up to some jumped up pipsqueak dictator who has grand plans for someone else's country.
When this is over, Putin defeated and territories reclaimed, Zelensky should give Crimea to the Azov supporters and declare it a neutral buffer state so that those fine upstanding Ukrainians can determine their own path and be friends with whoever they like.