Homogeneity and fragmentation
The changing nature of voluntary battalions in Ukraine
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The Ukrainian voluntary battalions were created in a historic emergency. During the first phase of the war, these units acted in a highly autonomous way and pursued the same interests as the representatives of the state. However, the Minsk II Agreement fundamentally changed the relationship between the state and the voluntary units. The movement became fragmented. The volunteers find themselves confronted with considerable social and societal problems in their attempt to reintegrate into civilian society. The extent of their political capacity to act is also limited.
(Osteuropa 3-4/2019, pp. 81–101)