Neo-Nazis Return to Russian Streets

Far-right groups in Russia have grown increasingly active amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, according to independent outlet Replika.

Experts describe an unprecedented rise in street violence, including attacks involving weapons. Attackers frequently post videos of their violence against migrants, unhoused persons, and LGBTQ+ people on Telegram channels.

The Sova Information and Analysis Center reported that 265 people were victims of ideologically motivated violence in Russia in 2024, including one fatality. Researchers noted these figures are comparable to those from 2011, marking a notable spike in far-right violence not seen in more than a decade.

In an interview with Replika, Alexander Verkhovsky, director of Sova, described the increase as "unprecedented," but noted it remains below the peak violence seen in 2007-2008, when approximately 100 people were killed annually in hate crimes involving some 600 perpetrators per year.

Sova’s statistics, however, do not include minor crimes causing minimal damage. Analysts from the Nazi Video Monitoring Project (NVMP) adopt a broader approach, tracking all far-right attacks posted on Telegram. Their count includes not only physical assaults, but also incidents like vandalizing vehicles with license plates from Caucasian republics or smashing windows of kiosks staffed by individuals perceived as non-Slavic. NVMP documented over 1,000 hate-motivated incidents in 2024.

Gennady, an NVMP researcher, said the project was initiated in 2023 due to a notable surge in far-right activity shared via Telegram: "These attacks were not extremely severe initially, but we recognized that quantity would eventually evolve into quality."

Sova confirms attacks have become increasingly violent, highlighting a shift from frequent minor assaults to fewer but more severe beatings, including, in early 2024, using hammers and brass knuckles.

Both experts and a victim interviewed by Replika emphasize that contemporary far-right street violence is primarily perpetrated by youths, often aged 13-14, imitating neo-Nazis from the early 2000s. They copy their predecessors' styles and practices, including attacks timed to symbolic dates, such as Adolf Hitler’s birthday or commemorations of deceased Russian neo-Nazi figures.

The shift to Telegram is noted as characteristic of the "new generation" of Russian far-right activists, partially explaining their radicalization and revival of early-2000s skinhead culture. Gennady from NVMP pointed out that Telegram hosts channels memorializing past neo-Nazi figures and channels preparing new recruits by offering advice on attacks and weapon use. Anonymous channels also exist for sharing the outcomes of attacks.

Due to Telegram’s lack of moderation and age restrictions, adolescents as young as 12 or 13 can easily join these far-right channels, view attack videos, and contribute content themselves.

Verkhovsky notes the connection between far-right Telegram activity and the ongoing war in Ukraine, arguing aggressive war propaganda has normalized violence among youth: "Aggressive war propaganda creates the perception among young people that violence is now an acceptable tool."

NVMP highlights another factor: since the start of the war, pro-government nationalist groups have gained significant influence due to their active support of war propaganda, greatly expanding their Telegram audience.

Yet experts observe mixed attitudes within Russia's far-right toward the war. Some groups actively support or participate in the invasion, while others oppose the invasion and the Russian government.

Combating the rising neo-Nazi violence poses significant challenges, as not all attacks result in police investigations or prosecutions. NVMP noted a slight increase in arrests following high-profile incidents. Telegram channel administrators promoting violence and neo-Nazi propaganda pose particular difficulties due to their anonymity.

Verkhovsky suggests infiltration and recruitment as potential strategies against far-right violence but anticipates it could take several years for Russian law enforcement to address the current wave effectively.