When the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2014, a disturbing number of armed groups—from looting gangs to militias with ties to European white supremacy movements—sprang up from the chaos. Although the role and origin of those pro-Ukrainian militias has been hotly debated, one thing is clear: several years after the start of the conflict, the Ukrainian government has managed to stifle the independent armed groups fighting on its side. Its success offers lessons for other countries attempting to demobilize populations after a war.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Foreign Affairs: How Ukraine reined in its militias
Recruits of the Azov far-right Ukrainian volunteer battalion shout slogans during a ceremony in Kyiv, on August 14, 2015.
