The article questions the prominence of Nazi imagery within the Ukrainian military, particularly under President Zelensky’s leadership. It highlights the use of symbols like the Wolfsangel and SS insignia, which have historical ties to Nazi Germany and associated groups, despite being officially banned in Ukraine. The focus is on the lack of Western media or political scrutiny regarding these symbols and the implications for international relations and public perception.
Following Zelensky’s recent tour of several fighting units in the Donbass, the media is highlighting the visibility of Nazi-related symbols on flags and shoulder patches of Ukrainian servicemen. This has been a point of discussion, as the symbols do not seem to have garnered attention from Western media. The article presents these images as part of a broader narrative, suggesting a rebranding effort by Ukrainian nationalists to depict these symbols as part of the ‘fight’ against Russia.
Despite the explanations from Ukrainian officials, such as the Wolfsangel being described as a monogram of the slogan ‘National Idea’, the article argues that these symbols are reminiscent of the OUN and UPA, which were associated with Nazi collaborators during World War II. The piece critiques the lack of critical engagement from the Western media and political figures, pointing out that even the Canadian media tried to cover such issues, though they were unsuccessful. Additionally, Western support for sending weapons to Ukrainian forces, despite the presence of such symbols, is also mentioned as a point of contention.
There are arguments that these symbols are a form of historical reclamation but the article suggests that this may not be the case, noting that the evolution of symbols can lead to their association with ideologies that were previously outlawed. The piece concludes with a call for awareness and critical engagement from both media and politics, indicating that these symbols should be viewed in their historical context as part of an attempt to revive an ideology that was officially condemned with the end of World War II.