Ukraine | Former Azov spokesman Alfjorov: A Nazi for memory

Comparing Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin? That's difficult, says Olexandr Alfiorov. One is educated, raised on German music and philosophy, and an artist. The other is a dirty communist from a cultureless country who was keen on a career in the secret service.

Such a glorification of Hitler would put most people in the lunatic category. Not so in Ukraine, Olexandr Alfjorow. The historian with a doctorate is not simply a Guido Knopp wannabe with an unhealthy Hitler obsession.

The 41-year-old has his own history radio show, explains his perspective on Ukrainian history on YouTube, is a staff member at the Academy of Sciences, has written over 100 academic articles and several books. And apparently, he has learned little in the process. The father of four has a close relationship with Andriy Biletsky and his right-wing extremist Azov Battalion. He served as press spokesman for both for a time starting in 2014. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Alferov voluntarily joined his "brothers," as he calls the fascist Azov fighters, in the trenches. Why? As a historian, he wants to help write history, Alferov says.

Alferov is also making history as a member of the expert group on renaming and derussification in Kyiv. As head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, he can now significantly influence the history and remembrance policy of the entire country. And hopefully, this will go "in the right direction," his Nazi friends expressed their hope upon his appointment.