US allows Azov brigade to use US weapons, lifts longstanding ban

The Biden administration has allowed Ukraine's 12th Azov Brigade to use American weapons, lifting a ban imposed years ago.

Here's What We Know

The Azov Brigade is best known for its defence of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is considered one of the most effective combat units in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

About a decade ago, it was banned from using American weapons because certain US officials found that some of its founders were allegedly racist, xenophobic or ultranationalist. In addition, UN human rights activists have accused Azov of "violations of humanitarian norms".

"Azov will have access to the same US military aid as any other unit. The change in US policy became apparent as Ukraine entered the "summer season" with even more fierce fighting and heavy casualties.

"After a thorough review, Ukraine's 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade has passed a vetting process conducted by the U.S. Department of State," the agency said in a statement, referring to the Leahy Act, which prohibits the transfer of military aid to foreign units that have committed human rights abuses.

A State Department spokesperson declined to say when the ban was lifted or whether any US weapons had already reached Azov.

Lifting the ban has been a priority for Ukrainian officials, who say the brigade could be more effective in defending Azovstal in 2022 if it had access to American equipment.

Source: The Washington Post