CNN had a good segment on the neo-Nazi paramilitary organization, the Wagner Group, that Russia has used around the world to commit atrocities and now in its invasion of Ukraine.
It was founded by a veteran of the wars in Chechnya with close ties to Putin. This group is notorious for torturing and executing people. They are known for their sledgehammers they use on civilians. They've operated in many countries including Syria and in the 2014 war in the Donbas. They are considered a de facto private army of Putin.
They are reportedly trying to assassinate Volodymyr Zelensky.
If you are bringing up Azov and not mentioning the Wagner Group I don't actually think you care about the underlying matter.