While the U.S. advisers are under orders to keep their distance from the neo-Nazis, the Kiev regime is quite open about its approval of the central military role played by these extremists -- whether neo-Nazis, white supremacists or Islamic militants. These extremists are considered very aggressive and effective in killing ethnic Russians.
The regime has shown little concern about widespread reports of "death squad" operations targeting suspected pro-Russian sympathizers in government-controlled towns. But such human rights violations should come as no surprise given the Nazi heritage of these units and the connection of the Islamic militants to hyper-violent terrorist movements in the Middle East.
But the Times treats this lethal mixture of neo-Nazis and Islamic extremists as a good thing. After all, they are targeting opponents of the "white-hatted" Kiev regime, while the ethnic Russian rebels and the Russian government wear the "black hats."
As an example of that tone, Kramer wrote: "Even for Ukrainians hardened by more than a year of war here against Russian-backed separatists, the appearance of Islamic combatants, mostly Chechens, in towns near the front lines comes as something of a surprise -- and for many of the Ukrainians, a welcome one. ... Anticipating an attack in the coming months, the Ukrainians are happy for all the help they can get."
So, the underlying message seems to be that it's time for the American people and the European public to step up their financial and military support for a Ukrainian regime that has unleashed on ethnic Russians a combined force of Nazis, white supremacists and Islamic militants (considered "brothers" of the Islamic State).
[For more on the Azov battalion, see Consortiumnews.com's "US House Admits Nazi Role in Ukraine."](Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).