I found that this claim as misleading.
When I looked into it, I found that some symbols historically used by the Azov Battalion have been linked to far-right and neo-Nazi movements. Because of those associations, certain countries have restrictions on similar symbols and extremist imagery. This is the part of the claim that is based on real information.
However, the claim leaves out important context. Ukraine passed a law in 2015 that bans Nazi propaganda and Nazi symbols. Government sources state that the public display and distribution of Nazi symbols can result in legal penalties. While there is debate over whether some symbols associated with Azov should be classified as Nazi symbols, it is inaccurate to suggest that Ukraine broadly allows Nazi symbolism.
I traced the claim back to discussions about Azov's history and found that news organizations such as the BBC have reported on the group's controversial past and use of certain symbols. At the same time, these reports also note that Azov has changed some of its insignia over the years and has attempted to distance itself from extremist associations.
Overall, the claim is misleading because it contains a small amount of truth but leaves out key information that changes the meaning of the claim. A reader could come away thinking Ukraine generally permits Nazi symbols, but the evidence shows that Ukraine officially bans Nazi propaganda and Nazi imagery under its laws.
Ukraine's 2015 anti-Nazi law: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/317-19
BBC background on Azov: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28329329
Al Jazeera background on Azov: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/1/who-are-the-azov-regiment
Ukraine Ministry of Internal Affairs statement: https://mvs.gov.ua/en/press-center/news/v-ukrayini-dije-zaborona-na-vikoristannya-simvoliki-totalitarnix-rezimiv
