Kiev Moves to Deal With Radical Groups

Ukraine's Right Sector group was instrumental in ousting former President Viktor Yanukovich, and the interim government in Kiev has made efforts to appease and even co-opt the group. Kiev has attempted to integrate the group into government and military organizations such as the newly created National Guard. Right Sector created a political party, also called Right Sector, on March 22. Right Sector, however, is characterized by fluid membership and a decentralized structure, and some members continue to stage protests, threaten government officials and engage in confrontations with pro-Russian supporters across the country.

 

Meanwhile, Kiev has shown that it is willing to crack down on violent radicals and their activities — including members of Right Sector. The government is making a concerted effort to undermine the more radical elements of the group in order to avoid future challenges to Kiev's authority and further distance itself from Right Sector. Raids and arrests have targeted the group, and recent developments include the killing of one of Right Sector's top leaders, as well as a move by parliament on April 1 to disarm illegal militias. 

 

The developments raise questions about Right Sector's future. As some members comply with the government's efforts, others will become more isolated and radicalized, and Right Sector will likely become more polarized.