The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine exacerbates the influence of far-right groups. The Russia narrative highlights the presence of far-right elements in Ukraine to justify its actions. However, this narrative is used politically rather than in any way sincerely addressing the issue. Western support for Ukraine, primarily aimed at countering Russian aggression, overlooks the rise of far-right groups, this creates a messy dynamic where far-right groups use the conflict to legitimize their actions.
The mess of Ukraine’s socio-political landscape is deeply intertwined with historical legacies, geopolitical tensions, and the resurgence of far-right movements. The far-right in Ukraine traces back to fascist movements such as the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and its split factions, OUN-B (led by Stepan Bandera) and OUN-M (led by Andriy Melnyk). These groups were terrorist and collaborators with Nazi Germany during WWII. In the post-Soviet turmoil, the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, Ukraine, like many post-Soviet states, faced corruption, organized crime, and economic instability. This environment has been fertile ground for far-right ideologies’ growth.
The far-right in modern Ukraine gained significant influence, particularly since the #Euromaidan protests in 2014. Azov Battalion: Initially a paramilitary unit, has become a formal part of the Ukrainian National Guard, with its political wing, National Corps, active nationwide. Azov runs youth programs and community centres, blending patriotic education with far-right ideology. Right Sector: Another prominent far-right group, involved in paramilitary activities and political violence. It has substantial influence despite its relatively small size. Other Groups: Organizations like Centuria and Tradition and Order contribute to the far-right landscape, with Centuria focusing on militant training and Tradition and Order blending ultra-nationalism with Orthodox Christianity.
Political and Social Implications of the integration of the far right into state structures: Far-right groups like Azov have integrated into Ukrainian state structures, receiving state resources and influencing government policies. Youth Mobilization: These groups actively recruit and indoctrinate youth, creating a new generation aligned with their ideologies. Political Violence and Intimidation: Far-right groups regularly engage in political violence and intimidation, targeting minorities and political opponents.
Future Prospects, the entrenchment of far-right groups in Ukrainian politics and society poses significant risks: Without a any left-wing alternative or meaningful efforts to counteract far-right influence, the possibility of a fascist takeover in Ukraine increases. This feeds a dangerous precedent to inspire similar movements globally.
To address these issues, there needs to be a focus on democratic values, countering #fascist ideologies, and fostering political and social alternatives that prioritize humanistic paths. In the digital world, the principles of #4opens (open data, open source, open standards, and open processes), #OGB (Open Governance Body), and #OMN (Open Media Network) are designed to pay a role in mediating mess like this. They are designed to creating a transparent, inclusive, and resilient society. We should actually make technology like this work, you can help https://opencollective.com/open-media-network