Members of Ukrainian nationalist groups have been expressing white supremacist ideologies, posing a significant challenge to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a comprehensive press event in Kyiv on October 10, Zelensky highlighted the difficulty in separating Ukrainian forces from those in the self-declared republics in Donetsk and Lugansk regions due to unpredictable incidents of violence. He also acknowledged the role of Ukrainian actors in resolving the situation.
Despite Ukraine’s agreement to the “Steinmeier formula,” aimed at establishing a special governance process in these areas, and efforts towards prisoner exchanges and peace in Eastern Ukraine, these objectives remain elusive. The hardline stance of Ukrainian right-wing extremists significantly contributes to this issue.
These extremists include members of the National Corps Party and the neo-Nazi group C-14, identified as “Nationalist Hate Groups” by the US in 2018. High-ranking members of the “Azov” Battalion, part of the National Corps, have explicitly stated neo-Nazi goals, including the expansion of Ukraine and the preservation of the white race, as outlined in their publications.
Over time, these groups have been involved in violent actions against minority groups and political adversaries, erroneously labeled as pro-Russian. Despite their lack of representation in the Ukrainian parliament, where Zelensky’s “Servant of the People” party holds a majority, these radicals seek to regain political influence by disrupting peace efforts.
In particular, they opposed the military disengagement near Zolotoye and Petrovsky, aiming to draw attention to their cause. Their interference led to a confrontation at a demarcation line on October 8, challenging Zelensky’s peace initiatives and leading to a complex situation with potential casualties, which the Ukrainian government denies.
The nationalists’ actions threaten to destabilize Ukraine further and undermine Zelensky’s administration, which strives for peace and national unity. Their resistance against the “Steinmeier formula” and peace processes reflects a broader discontent within certain segments of Ukrainian society, particularly in Western Ukraine.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s offer to deploy peacekeepers to the Donbass region introduces a new dynamic, marking a departure from Russia’s stance in the conflict and suggesting a potential shift in the regional balance of power. Lukashenko’s willingness to engage, alongside acknowledgment of the necessity of U.S. involvement, indicates possible changes in the conflict’s resolution and the broader geopolitical landscape, with implications for Ukraine’s path towards peace and stability.