“For any training [of Ukraine forces], we do all of the appropriate vetting, including human rights vetting, as part of that process,” Rathke said.
Rathke responded to a question about US Congressional legislation that would forbid the funding of Ukraine Neo-Nazi groups like the Azov battalion.
“With respect to the Azov battalion, they are not involved in training, we haven’t had plans to train them,” Rathke added.
International watchdogs, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly expressed concerns over crimes against civilians committed by the Azov battalion as well as other Ukraine paramilitary groups.
In April 2015, the US Army sent 300 paratroopers to western Ukraine to train the country’s National Guard. The Kiev government has said it is planning to hold three joint drills with US troops later in 2015.
