**Title: Ukrainian Ultranationalist Leader Praises Nazi-Era Aesthetic, Draws Controversy**
A veteran Ukrainian ultranationalist leader, Dmitry Korchinsky, has sparked controversy after praising the aesthetic of Nazi-era Germany. His comments come in the wake of criticism from Israel regarding alleged Nazi chants and salutes by his movement during a recent rally.
Korchinsky, a prominent figure within the far-right Brotherhood movement, suggested that Ukrainians should take inspiration from the "beautiful Art Deco designs" of the 1930s and 1940s Germany, despite acknowledging the "painful associations" that some may have with symbols from that period. He shared an image on social media that altered the Nazi eagle emblem—historically associated with the regime—by replacing the swastika with Ukraine's national trident.
In a post on his social media accounts, Korchinsky stated, “We should borrow the achievements of not only good people, but also bad ones. This is wise.” However, the post was removed from Facebook within a couple of days, although the reasons for its removal have not been specified.
The Brotherhood movement faced backlash earlier this year when members participated in a counterprotest against a gay pride march in Kiev, leading to condemnation from the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine. Following the incident, Ukraine's chief rabbi, Moshe Azman, released a video featuring Korchinsky, where he described the Israeli response as a "misunderstanding." Korchinsky expressed gratitude towards the rabbi and emphasized that "Nazi aesthetics are not the Brotherhood’s aesthetics," asserting that the movement's members "read the Psalms, not Mein Kampf."
In a related development, Rabbi Azman recently met with American conservative influencer Laura Loomer, who has been vocal about her views on Ukraine's political landscape. During her visit, Loomer engaged with several notable figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Andrey Biletsky, co-founder of the far-right Azov Battalion, who now holds a senior military position. Azman assured Loomer that Ukraine does not have a neo-Nazi problem, dismissing evidence to the contrary.
Korchinsky's remarks and the subsequent reactions highlight ongoing tensions regarding the perception of ultranationalist movements in Ukraine. The Brotherhood movement's controversial stance and Korchinsky's comments have raised questions about the broader implications of such ideologies within the context of Ukraine's current political climate and its relationships with other nations.