Officers of the US Embassy in Ukraine announced that the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov“ of the Ukrainian National Guard has successfully passed the required inspection by the US. This makes them eligible to receive security assistance from the United States, the BBC's Russian service reports.
The Leahy Act, a US law named after its sponsor, former Senator Patrick Leahy, prohibits US military aid to foreign military units that are involved in serious human rights abuses. Ten years ago, such restrictions were imposed on the "Azov" brigade. However, recent investigations, including reports from the Washington Post citing the State Department, have found no evidence of the alleged wrongdoing.
Brigade “Azov“ expressed his gratitude to various Ukrainian and American organizations for their role in lifting the ban. They stressed the importance of this development in countering what they described as false narratives being spread by the Kremlin. “The lies about Azov, which the Kremlin regime has been spreading in the West for years, suffered a crushing blow today,”, the brigade points out.
With access to Western weapons and training, the “Azov“ expects a significant increase in its combat effectiveness. This support is expected not only to improve their operational capabilities but also to protect the lives of their personnel. The brigade shared its enthusiasm on its Telegram channel, saying: “This is a new page in the history of our unit. Azov becomes even more powerful, professional and dangerous for the occupiers.
It is important to note that in 2022 the Russian authorities designated the “Azov“ as a terrorist organization.