Editor’s note: Natsionalni Druzhyny, a union of citizens that is connected to the Azov Regiment and radical political party Natsionalny Korpus, marched in Kyiv on Jan. 25, wearing military-like uniforms, some even in balaclavas. Over 600 young male members of the movement took an oath, claiming that their main aim is to “bring Ukrainian order to the streets,” and saying they would “use force if they have to.”
Andriy Morozov (Volodymyr Petrov)
Andriy Morozov
former soldier, filmmaker
“I believe that Natsionalna Druzhyna should have spoken with people before organizing such an initiative. Even though there are some people that I know among them, I don’t support it. Before making such an aggressive statement like they did, people should be asked whether they want to be protected by people who are not the police. There are a lot of problems in the city. They could offer their help instead of declaring themselves to be cool guys in balaclavas. Besides, I can’t understand why they’d wear balaclavas if they just wanted to help people.”
Olha Hromosyak (Volodymyr Petrov)
Olha Hromosyak
teacher
“This initiative seems quite suspicious to me. For example, if they do something wrong, who will be responsible for their actions?”
Ludmyla Suslo (Volodymyr Petrov)
Ludmyla Suslo
retiree
“There should be something like Natsionalna Druzhyna – as a social grouping it’s not a bad thing. I’m not disturbed by them wearing a uniform. I’m more disturbed by the people wearing civilian clothes who are doing something illegal.”
Serhiy Bohoslov (Volodymyr Petrov)
Serhiy Bohoslov
metro employee
“I think we need Natsionalna Druzhyna: Maybe with their help we will have order. But they shouldn’t be just random people. I want everything to be regulated and legal, not chaotic or spontaneous.”
Olha Dovzhenko (Volodymyr Petrov)
Olha Dovzhenko
bank employee
“I can’t say whether it is a good initiative or a bad one, because I cannot really understand what status Natsionalna Druzhyna has, what their tasks and plans are. Everything is unclear.”
Oleksiy Klanovets (Volodymyr Petrov)
Oleksiy Klanovets
student
“Well, I have seen the marches of Azov Battalion this weekend, but I have not heard about Natsionalna Druzhyna in detail. I like the idea, but there’s a question over how they will implement it.”
