By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has revealed some dark and uncomfortable truths about the ideological undercurrents shaping Europe’s political landscape. While mainstream media often paints the war in black-and-white terms—Russia as the aggressor and Ukraine as the noble defender—the reality is far more complex. One of the most alarming trends is the presence of neo-Nazi factions on both sides of the conflict, including the notorious Azov Battalion in Ukraine and Russian ultranationalist paramilitaries. Even more concerning is the involvement of American and European far-right extremists who have traveled to Ukraine to fight, raising the possibility of a future “Super Nazi” movement spanning from Russia to Western Europe.
The Azov Battalion and Ukrainian Neo-Nazis
The Azov Battalion, originally a volunteer militia, has been one of the most controversial units within the Ukrainian armed forces. Founded in 2014 by members of the ultranationalist and openly neo-Nazi groups, Azov has long been associated with white supremacist ideology, using symbols such as the Wolfsangel, which was also used by the SS during World War II.
Despite efforts to whitewash its image, Azov has served as a rallying point for Western far-right extremists. Reports indicate that foreign fighters from the U.S., Canada, and various European countries have joined its ranks, seeing Ukraine as a training ground for their militant cause. The Atlantic Council has acknowledged that Azov has served as a “hub for transnational white supremacy.” [1]
Russian Nationalist Groups and Neo-Nazis
On the other side of the conflict, Russia also harbors its own neo-Nazi elements, despite Vladimir Putin’s claims of “denazifying” Ukraine. Groups like the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), which the U.S. State Department has designated as a terrorist organization, advocate for a white ethno-state and have actively recruited fighters for conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. [2]
Additionally, Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary force, has been linked to white supremacist and far-right extremist ideology. Former Wagner fighters have been photographed with Nazi tattoos and symbols, and the group has recruited individuals with neo-Nazi affiliations. The brutal nature of Wagner’s operations in Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East has only solidified its reputation as an ultranationalist paramilitary force with disturbing ideological leanings. [3]
The Role of Foreign Fighters: A Global Nazi Alliance?
Perhaps the most troubling development is the influx of Western far-right extremists into Ukraine. Organizations such as the Atomwaffen Division and The Base—both of which are classified as terrorist organizations in the U.S.—have expressed support for the Ukrainian cause and even sent fighters to join Azov and other militias. [4]
Similarly, reports suggest that some members of the French, German, and Scandinavian far-right movements have taken up arms in Ukraine, seeing it as a precursor to a broader nationalist uprising in Europe. The concern is that these individuals will return home, radicalized and battle-hardened, ready to advance their ideology in their respective countries.
This raises a chilling possibility: Could Russian, Ukrainian, and Western far-right extremists eventually unite under a common cause? While their national allegiances may currently divide them, their ideological alignment—white supremacist, anti-globalist, and anti-liberal—could eventually serve as a unifying force.
The Danger of a 4th Reich
The idea of a resurgent Nazi movement spanning from Russia to Europe is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Historical precedent shows that ideological enemies can and do collaborate when their ultimate goals align. In World War II, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union briefly cooperated under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact before turning on each other. Today, far-right movements across Europe and Russia share a deep hatred for globalism, liberal democracy, and multiculturalism.
Furthermore, if economic instability continues to plague Europe and geopolitical tensions escalate, nationalist movements could gain even more traction. A destabilized European Union, weakened by mass migration, economic decline, and cultural fragmentation, could serve as fertile ground for the emergence of a new far-right coalition.
Conclusion
While mainstream narratives focus solely on Russia’s aggression or Ukraine’s defense, the reality is that both countries have neo-Nazi factions that are growing in influence. The involvement of American and European far-right fighters in Ukraine suggests that a transnational network is forming—one that could one day evolve into a Super Nazi 4th Reich spanning from Russia to Western Europe.
The question is: Will Western governments wake up to this threat, or will they continue to turn a blind eye, allowing history to repeat itself?
Citations
- Atlantic Council. "The Azov Movement and Transnational White Supremacy." https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/
- U.S. State Department. "Russian Imperial Movement Designated as a Terrorist Organization." https://www.state.gov/
- Reuters. "Wagner Group and Far-Right Extremism." https://www.reuters.com/
- FBI. "Domestic Terrorism and White Supremacist Groups in Ukraine." https://www.fbi.gov/
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