Redut Explained
Redut (Russian: ЧВК «Редут»|translit=ChVK «Redut»), also known as Redoubt, Redut-Antiterror or Centre R, formerly known as "Shield",[4] [5] is a registered Russian Private Military Company (PMC) that is a part of the "Antiterror-family" — a group of PMCs that protect commercial operations of Russian companies.[6] [7] It is currently deployed by Russia in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[8] [9] [10] [11] According to an RFE/RL investigation, concurrent "Redut" is fully controlled by the GRU and acts as a proxy umbrella organization for mercenaries, managing finances, recruitment and logistical supply of various formations.[12]
It was established in 2008, as a merger of several minor veteran groupings of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Russian Air Force and units of the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD), who had obtained combat experience in military and peacekeeping missions.[13]
Members of the group have been convicted of committing war crimes during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
History
Emergence
According to Norwegian researchers from the Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt - FFI (Norwegian Defence Research Establishment), Redut-Antiterror emerged in 2008 from the PMSC Antiterror-Orel, which was founded in 2003 by members of the Russian Special Forces.[14] It is an affiliate or former branch of the Antiterror-Orel offshoot Tiger Top Rent Security[15] and primarily recruits soldiers of the Russian 45th Guards Special Reconnaissance Brigade. Until 2022, Redut mainly offered the protection of Russian convoys and corporate real estate—including oil production facilities, military installations and Russian diplomats in many countries worldwide, for example of Gennady Timchenko's JSC Stroytransgaz facilities in Syria during the Syrian civil war. It also provided military training and advisors for e.g. pro-Russian Abkhazian forces during the Russo-Georgian War. The leaders of Redut at these times were the only registered shareholder of "Redut-Security", the mercenary Yevgeny Sidorov,[16] and Konstantin Mirzayants, who reportedly led Redut to fight in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[17] [18] It is not clear how Mirzayants and Sidorov were involved in the reformation of Redut.[12] In 2022 and in preparation for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Redut was planned to be a major competitor for the Russian MoD in the PMC scene, due to a rivalry between the Wagner Group and the MoD. This was organized by the deputy head of the GRU (Russian intelligence), General Vladimir Alexeyev, who made Anatoly Karaziy, a relative of his, head of the structure.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
For the invasion, Redut recruited many former Wagner members and Special Forces, totalling several thousands in January 2022, which angered Wagner head Prigozhin. The same month, he was invited to the office on Khoroshevskoye Highway. At first Prigozhin told Alexeyev that if Karaziy did not stop recruiting Wagnerites for Redut, Prigozhin would kill Karaziy. In response to this, Alexeyev allegedly invited Prigozhin to go to another office, where Karaziy was already waiting for him, who offered to sort it out on the spot. According to the source, Prigozhin was taken aback and began to say that he was misunderstood, and later retreated.[19] Alexeyev said that it was the Redut that was to play a decisive role in the first days of the invasion. According to one of the sources, it included a group that was supposed to kill Zelensky on the day of the invasion in the Kyiv offensive. Alexeyev himself was engaged not only in the military part, but also in the political one—he had to organize the transfer of power to new hands and negotiated this with Ukrainian politicians, for example with Azarov. Many of the plans of the GRU turned out to be known in advance to the Western and Ukrainian special services. In the Kyiv offensive, Redut sustained heavy losses in which the fighting force was compromised by up to 90%, which practically eliminated the Redut PMC, leaving Prigozhin's Wagner Group to dominate the scene.[19]
Nationalization of Redut
After this event, remaining Redut contractors got invited to their base in Kubinka and were offered contracts by the Russian MoD, to serve officially in the Russian Armed Forces. As claimed by one of Redut's former commanders, that is why Redut is completely controlled and effectively reformed by the Russian MoD. Despite the heavy casualties, Redut PMC grew sharply to around 7,000 soldiers in 2023, in part due to recruitment of prisoners and labor migrants from e.g. CIS states.[20] At this time, Redut became one of the MoD's main recruiting projects for mercenary formations.[12] In early 2023, Redut and the UDV held a congress in Russian-occupied Mariupol, where more than 450 fighters and officers announced that all "volunteer" militias were going to be merged into a so-called "Russian Volunteer Corps", for which Redut serves as the nucleus. The document establishing the corps was signed by retired GRU Colonel Aleksei Kondratyev.[12]
Fall of Wagner
After the aborted Wagner coup attempt, the MoD tried to dissolve the Wagner Group, by absorbing, eliminating or taking over parts of Wagner.[21] Redut, along Convoy,[22] play key roles, by directly profiting of these actions as a government controlled entities. Experts assessed that Redut likely possesses the capabilities and intent[23] to take over operations of its rival Wagner in Syria and other countries after the likely decapitation of Wagner's leadership,[24] [25] although noting that it doesn't have the same niveau of fighting experience in comparison.[26] Others saw a pro-MoD rebranding of Wagner as more likely.[27] In July, Wagner mercenaries in Syria and Ukraine were offered to move to Redut, which is in active competition with Wagner.[28] A number of former Wagnerites joined Redut formations after this.[29] In August, ISW reported that efforts to dissolve Wagner partially succeeded, with two high-ranking Wagner representatives and commanders, namely Andrey "Sedoy" ("Grey" – ed.) Troshev and Vadim V. (alias: "Khrustal"), defecting to Redut—as claimed by the MoD and other Wagner commanders.[30] Furthermore, the Russian MoD is apparently using them to recruit Wagner personnel under the promise of new missions in Africa.[31] Shortly before the death of Wagner founders Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, Redut began preparation to enter Africa, focusing recruitment efforts on this area.[32] iStories found posts on social networks urging people to join Redut with this message: "Wagner is in the past. If you are really interested in real work in Africa, the Ministry of Defence and PMC Redut is your choice!".[33]
Re-organization and growth
As of 2024, Redut grew to tens of thousands of operatives, estimated at 25000, managing up to 20 formations.[12] According to Mark Galeotti, director of Mayak Intelligence, Redut has emerged as the main Russian PMC and is much more active in Africa and Syria.[34] Redut has notable presence and activity in Africa with the Bears Brigade. Konstantin Mirzayants, the leader of Redut, is reportedly closely involved in the Kremlin's operations in Africa and the creation of the "Africa Corps", which seeks to take over Wagner's structures in Africa.[17]
Organization
According to Candace Rondeaux, Redut members tend to be abstemious and disciplined.[35] Rondeaux states that under Russian law, one wing of Redut is categorized as a "military training centre" and the whole is in her opinion "not a PMC, not some sort of special company" though she admits that it has extra-territorial operations. She further states that Redut "is fully folded into the Ministry of Defense infrastructure and always has been."[35] The 2023 RFE/RFL investigation confirmed "Redut" being merely a front for GRU operations, maintained through a network of shadow companies, fictitious legal entities and virtual military units[36] [37] with the primary purpose of legally distancing the special operations from Russian government.
Recruitment
According to an investigation by the Russian-language version of RFE/RFL, advertisements for Redut formations are quite actively placed in Russian social media. Official requirements for application are at least 25 to 45 years of age, military and law enforcement agency experience, no ongoing law enforcement prosecution (expunged convictions, other than for pedophilia, drug distribution, or rape, are accepted) and medical certificates of the absence of tuberculosis (fluorography), hepatitis and HIV. However a member of the formation said that requirements are much lower. It was leaked that representatives of Redut recruit convicts in high-security prisons.
A leaked contract referred to Redut as "RLSPI", which is described as a construction company registered in Rostov-on-Don, without mentioning military service. "RLSPI" is a regional laboratory for socio-psychological research [Unit 35555] under the Russian Ministry of Defense, located in Rostov-on-Don and belonging to the GRU, which is not indicated in the document. Additionally, payments in case of injury, death, and accommodation are specified. Since the annexation of four Ukrainian Oblasts, salary is paid in Ruble instead of Dollars, since Russian authorities don't consider these territories as foreign anymore.
iStories reported that a journalist of theirs got offered to join the Redut formation "Wolves", to fight in Ukraine, without signing a MoD contract—bypassing the Russian MoD's requirement since July 1 for all volunteer formations participating in the war to have one.[38] This contradicts a statement by State Duma deputy Maxim Ivanov, who assured that "Redut" and its units signed contracts with the Ministry of Defence.[39]
As reported by iStories in October 2023, women are also being recruited into the ranks of Redut's formation "Borz Battalion" now, as snipers and drone operators.[40] Recruitment of women also started in the Española Battalion.[41]
Units
Don Brigade
Redut is believed to have a unit called "Don Brigade"[42] which is part of the Union of Donbass Volunteers (also called "Don and the Union of Donbas Volunteers", or "UDV"), a veterans organization with many ethnic Cossack fighters, also listed in BARS and linked to the Russian MoD.[43] Contractors are recruited and paid by Redut, which acts as a financial institution. Many of them directly join Redut in special "Don units", while still formally considered part of the UDV.[44] It consists of the battalion "Terek", with two more in line for recruiting—"Kuban" and "Yenisei". After a congress to determine the future of Russian volunteer mercenary groups in 2023, the Union of Donbas Volunteers—including the Don Brigade and other units—was fully absorbed into Redut, to form the "Russian Volunteer Corps".[12]
Bears Brigade
The "Bears Brigade" is a Russian mercenary formation that is deployed in Africa and the Russian invasion of Ukraine to serve Russian strategic interests, to train and protect Russian allies and their facilities.[45] [46] Along with the Africa Corps, the formation was created to fill the void of the declining Wagner Group, and to tighten the MoD's grip on existing Russian private paramilitary structures abroad. The unit has seen action in the country of Burkina Faso.[47]
Although being a self-claimed brigade, analysts estimate the formation to be between one and two battalions large.[48]
Wolves Battalion
The reconnaissance and sabotage detachment "Wolves Battalion" is a Russian mercenary formation that is subordinate to Redut and overseen by the 16th Guards Spetsnaz Brigade. In the early days of the invasion, the formation numbered 400 fighters. The salary for fighters ranges between $1800 and $2200 and is paid in cash. Contracts are offered for a length of three or six months. Requirements for application are full name and date of birth, a drivers license, background on military and civilian skills, and the criminal and health record. In early 2022, the Wolves were ordered to aid the Kyiv offensive and participated in the occupation of villages and battles in the Borodianka Raion. When the advance on Kyiv failed, they were tasked with covering the withdrawal of Russian troops from the area. Later, their battalion was ordered to retreat to Belarus and then to a base in Valuyki, near the Ukrainian border in western Russia. After they regrouped, the battalion was deployed to Kharkiv Oblast in September to resist Ukraine's liberation efforts there, taking heavy casualties. They were stationed near the stronghold Balakliia and ordered to set up positions at the town's entrance. That night, Ukrainian forces entered Balakliia, leading to the retreat of Russian troops. A group, cut off and stranded, hid in the town for nearly three weeks before being captured.[12] Notably, these four Redut fighters were discovered in their hideout and arrested, and later all convicted for the war crime of torture in a Ukrainian court.[10] The drone operator Cpt.-Lt. Matlaev Artem was killed in combat.
Potok Battalion
See main article: Potok (PMC). In early 2023, Gazprom Neft, a subsidiary of Gazprom, was given permission to form a PMSC by the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. According to research by BBC News Russian, organization started in the city of Omsk, under the name "Gazprom Neft Security", led by former high-ranking members of Russia’s Federal Security Service and Internal Affairs Ministry.[49] The three main formations are "Fakel" (Torch), "Potok" (Stream) and "Plamya" (Flame), which are under control of the Russian MoD.[50] Later in April, members of the voluntary Gazprom military formation "Potok" were forced to sign contracts with Redut by the Russian MoD,[51] [52] [53] to fight with "Potok" under the command of Redut.[54] "Potok" participated in battles near Bakhmut, took over some Wagner positions, but later left them due to insufficient preparation and supplies. Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that Gazprom established its own PMC "to weaken the influence of the Wagner PMC.".[55]
Veterans Battalion
The "Veterans Battalion" is reported to be part of Redut, with Redut conducting its recruitment and acting as a financial institution. According to Grey Dynamics, they are estimated to have 2000 fighters, and are mostly deployed for reconnaissance and assault. Contracts can be signed for either 6 or 12 months of service, with pay estimates at around £2150 a month, going up depending on experience, performance, and rank. It is being advertised on social media such as Telegram, their website, and profits of positive reporting of Russian state TV on it. Required for joining is experience with small arms, 21 to 55 years of age, good physical shape, Russian passport and military identification. They are a well equipped with high quality weaponry, like drones and UAVs, APCs, MBTs, IFVs, logistical vehicles, automatic grenade launchers, mortars and artillery systems. Additionally, they are assessed to have superior training and significant combat experience in comparison to other Russian units, and are said to work effectively with other units. "Veterans" is known for its distinctive patch showing Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to reports, the 2nd Battalion of the 60th ”Veterans” Separate Air Assault Brigade is operating on one of the Bakhmut flanks.[56]
Española Battalion
See main article: Espaniola (battalion). The "Española Battalion" is a group of far-right Russian soccer fans turned fighters in Ukraine. Contracts of the battalion are signed with Redut. Donbas veteran Stanislav Orlov, also known as "The Spaniard," due to his proficiency in languages, is the founder and leader of Española—the units' name being a play on Orlov’s nom guerre “Spaniard” as well as Treasure Island's pirate schooner Hispaniola. Grey Dynamics estimates the unit to have about 550 soldiers. Ukrainian intelligence reported that Española pays volunteers 220,000 rubles (£1,900) a month and offers lucrative insurance payouts. Recruits have to serve for a minimum of six months. The formation consists of an assault, reconnaissance, drone and air defence company. The Española group primarily recruits through Telegram and VK, targeting not only football ultras but also neo-Nazis and the far-right. Requirements for service are a health check and a fitness test. Recruits can specialize in roles such as sniper, drone operator, electronic warfare, artillery, ATGM operator, driver/mechanic, medic, or sapper engineer.[57] Reportedly, it is backed by Russian billionaire Viktor Shendrik, the head of the security department of Russian Railways, who also funds other mercenaries.[58] "Española" fighters were involved in the assault on Azovstal in direct engagements with the Azov Brigade, in combat on the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia fronts, as well as near Uglezdar, Avdiivka[59] and Bakhmut.[60] Española's intelligence chief was killed in early March 2024.[61]
Others
As an umbrella organization that provides supplies and manpower to mercenary formations, Redut closely collaborates with at least 20 different entities—among them the “Listan” battalion, “Skif” battalion, “Tigers” volunteer formation, “Veter 117” formation and the “Nevsky” Group. Sources in the PMC say that the formations called "Ilimovtsy", "Hooligans", "Marines" and "Axes" were involved in the early days of the Northern Ukraine campaign. The "North" formation took heavy losses when engaging in friendly fire in the Kyiv offensive due to poor communication, fatally wounding the commander of the "North Group" Lt.-Col. Mikheev Ivan Pavlovich ("Sever").
Funding
Redut receives its funding through the Russian Ministry of Defense, with General Vladimir Alexeyev (GRU) also being a patron.[62] Other major backers of the company are said to be Oleg Deripaska and Gennady Timchenko, according to information provided by the website Gulagu.net founded by Russian dissident Vladimir Osechkin, which cites a Redut deputy commander testifying under cover names. From them, the PMC received armored personnel carriers, helmets, and protective vests.[63] [64] Redut has reportedly altered its sources of support multiple times.
Sanctions
On February 24, 2023, Redut was designated a Russian mercenary force—controlled by and linked to the GRU—fighting Ukraine by the United States Department of the Treasury,[65] [9] according to executive order "E.O. 14024" by the United States President. Thus blocking any transfer, pay, export or withdraw of Redut's possessions and property in the United States.[66]
Ukrainian lawmakers approved Resolution "#3735" on February 9, 2023, recognizing Redut and other Russian private military companies as terrorist organizations.[2] [3]
On December 18, 2023, PMC "Redut" was included in the sanctions list of the European Union:[67] [68] [69] On February 22, 2024, Redut was included in the UK sanctions list as a PMC “which, according to available data, is engaged in recruiting and sending militants to serve alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.”.[70] [71] For similar reasons, Redut is under sanctions in Ukraine, Switzerland and New Zealand.[72]
Activities
Main areas
- Ukraine: After conducting reconnaissance beyond the demarcation line in the Donbas on the night of 23 February 2022, Redut formations were deployed in the Kyiv offensive[73] and took part in the capture of Chernobyl.[74] From there, units were ordered on a covert mission in the Kyiv region to infiltrate and eliminate the political leadership and the Ukrainian Secret Service. From the beginning, Redut units also took part in the battle of Donbas—including the battle of Kharkiv,[74] the battle of the Siverskyi Donets and the battle of Balakliia.[75] As of mid-July 2022, two detachments of Redut, each counting 200 fighters, were operating in the Donbas region of Ukraine, both led by former Wagner Group commanders.[73] Per ISW, the Redut formation "Veterans" is operating in the battle of Bakhmut on the flanks of the city.[76] The intelligence firm Grey Dynamics reported that the formation "Veterans" conducted offensive operations around Avdiivka, Vuhledar, and around Novoselivske in the Battle of the Svatove–Kreminna line in the later course of the war.[77] The Redut formation "Española" took part in the assault on Azovstal,[78] and later in the hostilities near Chasiv Yar in 2024.[79]
- Burkina Faso: As part of efforts to control the activities of Russian private military groups abroad, Redut formation "Bears" is deployed to support Russian strategic interests in Africa.[48]
Former areas
There are indications that Redut provided military advisors and trainers for Abkhazian units in the Russo-Georgian War. It also saw action in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Caribbean countries, the former Yugoslavia, as well as Afghanistan and Indonesia.[80] [81] [82] Its services included the deployment of snipers, pioneers and guards. Redut formations have been deployed to protect convoys, corporate real estate—including oil production facilities, military installations and Russian diplomats, for example defending JSC Stroytransgaz facilities in Syria.[83] In order to establish itself in the Iraq environment, the company received direct support from the FSB (Russian intelligence).[84]
War crimes
Four Redut fighters have been convicted of war crimes. On December 23, 2022, the "Wolves" operatives Ruslan Kolesnikov (born 1968), Mikhail Ivanov (b. 1977), Maksim Volvak (b. 1992) and Valentin Bych (b. 1980) were convicted of abducting and torturing three ATO veterans from the urban settlement Borova in Kharkiv Oblast at the beginning of September, and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by the Kobelevskiy District Court in Poltava Oblast.[85] [86] The three victims were abducted for interrogation to find other ATO veterans, held with bags over their heads and with hands bound. During the interrogation process, they were thrown into a pit for three days without food and water, repeatedly beaten on the limbs with hammers and threatened that their fingers would be cut off. Prior, three ATO veterans with torture marks were discovered dead in this hole.[10] Another Redut fighter, Belarusian national Maksym Ziaziulchyk (b. 2001), was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for fighting against Ukraine as a mercenary in the formation "Veterans".[87]
Composition
- Redut (GRU)
- Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Abroad
- Don Brigade
- Terek Brigade
- 16th Special Forces Brigade of the GRU
- Volki ("Wolves") Brigade
- Tigry ("Tigers") Formation
- Veter 177 Formation
- Nevsky Formation
- Union of Donbass Volunteers
- Sever ("North") Formation
- Tsentr ("Center") Formation
- St. George's Brigade
- Zubr ("Bison") Formation
- Kherson Formation
- Artdivision Formation
- Vikhr ("Whirlwind") Formation
- Veterans of Russia Movement
- Gazprom Neft Security
- Others
- Medvedi ("Bears") Special Brigade
- Lev ("Lion") Formation
- Rysi ("Lynx") Formation
- Borz Formation
- Española Formation
- Troya ("Troy") Formation
- Irbis ("Snow Leopard") Formation
Imperial Legion Formation
Rusich Formation [12]
See also
Further reading
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: Уловка "Редут". Как ГРУ вербует россиян на войну в Украине. ru. 2023-12-02. 2023-12-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20231202011114/https://www.svoboda.org/a/ulovka-redut-gru-verbuet-na-voinu/32709425.html. live.
- News: 6 February 2023 . Ukraine's Parliament Recognizes Wagner as Transnational Criminal Organization . . 25 May 2023.
- Web site: Проект Постанови про Звернення Верховної Ради України до Організації Об'єднаних Націй, Європейського Парламенту, Парламентської Асамблеї Ради Європи, Парламентської Асамблеї ОБСЄ, Парламентської Асамблеї НАТО, Парламентської Асамблеї ОЧЕС, урядів і парламентів держав світу про визнання російських приватних військових компаній терористичними організаціями . Draft Resolution on Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine's Address to the United Nations, European Parliament, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, BSEC Parliamentary Assembly, and governments and parliaments of the countries of the world on recognition of Russian private military companies as terrorist organisations . 25 May 2023 . . uk.
- Web site: 10 August 2022 . Пехота пуще неволи . https://archive.today/20220814111043/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/08/10/pekhota-pushche-nevoli . 14 August 2022 . 19 June 2023 . . ru.
- Web site: 10 November 2022 . Зона поражения . https://archive.today/20230620114054/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/11/10/zona-porazheniia . 20 June 2023 . 20 June 2023 . . ru.
- Web site: РЕГИОНАЛЬНАЯ ОБЩЕСТВЕННАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ "ВЕТЕРАНОВ МИРОТВОРЧЕСКИХ МИССИЙ И ЛОКАЛЬНЫХ КОНФЛИКТОВ" . https://archive.today/20190708000118/https://zachestnyibiznes.ru/company/ul/1077799027547_7713386568_#selection-1591.0-1591.81 . 8 July 2019 . 3 May 2023 . Registry for the Association of Veterans of Peacekeeping and Local Conflict Missions (Zachestnyibiznes).
- Web site: Osechkin . Vladimir . 5 January 2023 . О тайнах руководства ЧВК Редут и ЧВК Вагнер, связи с ВДВ и ФСБ, олигархах… . https://archive.today/20230620113113/https://gulagu-net.ru/news/2023-01-05-1541.html . 20 June 2023 . 12 July 2023 . . ru.
- Web site: Tracing Wagner's Roots . https://archive.today/20220509152903/https://www.newamerica.org/international-security/reports/decoding-wagner-group-analyzing-role-private-military-security-contractors-russian-proxy-warfare/tracing-wagners-roots/ . 9 May 2022 . 3 May 2023 . New America.
- Web site: Private Military Company Redut . 3 May 2023 . . 13 December 2019 . 27 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230427235812/https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/NK-9iEp7sqxGYKEzvhd2qyeWC/ . live .
- Web site: Long sentences passed on 'Redut' mercenaries fighting Russia's war against Ukraine with Finnish citizen's funding . https://archive.today/20230503191107/https://khpg.org/en/1608811793 . 3 May 2023 . 3 May 2023 . Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group.
- Web site: The Emergence of Russian Private Military Companies: A New Tool of Clandestine Warfare . https://web.archive.org/web/20230426120841/https://publications.ffi.no/en/item/asset/dspace:6751/1811576.pdf . 26 April 2023 . 3 May 2023 . Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.
- Web site: Schemes and Systema Read in Ukrainian Read in Russian . Inside Russia's Fake Private Mercenary Company Fighting In Ukraine . 2023-12-08 . RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty . en.
- Web site: Russian Use of Private Military and Security Companies-the implications for European and Norwegian Security FFI-RAPPORT . https://web.archive.org/web/20221030090323/http://www.researchgate.net/publication/329736854_Russian_Use_of_Private_Military_and_Security_Companies-the_implications_for_European_and_Norwegian_Security_FFI-RAPPORT . 30 October 2022 . 3 May 2023 . ResearchGate.
- Web site: 8 February 2021 . Analyse: Russische PMCs im Nahen Osten und Afrika . https://archive.today/20230503193115/https://www.bpb.de/themen/europa/russland-analysen/nr-397/327199/analyse-russische-pmcs-im-nahen-osten-und-afrika/ . 3 May 2023 . September 18, 2022 . . de.
- Web site: Отряд "Тигр" - Top Rent security . https://archive.today/20190915192523/http://man-tigers-special.narod.ru/index.html . 15 September 2019 . Tiger Top Rent Security . ru.
- Web site: Forward Operations: From Deir Ezzor to Donbas and Back Again. New America.
- Web site: Targeting the Wagner Group: How the U.S. Can Strengthen Sanctions Against Russia. New America. 22 February 2024. Ben. Dalton. Candace. Rondeaux. Merle. Weidt.
- Web site: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 3, 2023. 3 November 2023. Institute for the Study of War.
- Web site: 15 May 2023 . Wie sich Prigoschin gegen andere Söldnertruppen durchgesetzt hat . https://web.archive.org/web/20230519021132/https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/russland-ukraine-krieg-wie-prigoschin-sich-gegen-andere-soeldnertruppen-durchsetzte-a-aa9cc0ae-3b15-46f8-91cf-8e293e9a8d96?giftToken=b2ae59e3-ca52-4314-97d9-121980ea57b2 . 19 May 2023 . 11 June 2023 . . de.
- Web site: Two Samarkand residents who fought in Ukraine in the ranks of the Wagner PMC were buried in Uzbekistan . ru . Current Time TV . 2023-02-15 . 2023-11-24 . 2023-11-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231124200327/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/uzbeks-recruited-war-ukraine/32272772.html . live .
- Web site: 24 August 2023. 'Final nail in the coffin' for Russia's Wagner Group as leader Prigozhin presumed dead. 25 August 2023. CNBC.
- Web site: Oliphant . Roland . 24 August 2023 . Inside ambitious mercenary outfit Redut, the Wagner rival linked to the Russian spy services . https://web.archive.org/web/20230906005334/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/08/24/redut-russia-yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-rival/ . 6 September 2023 . 12 September 2023 . The Daily Telegraph.
- Web site: Chkhaidze . Nicholas . 30 August 2023 . PMC Redut: The Wagner Group's Potential Replacement . https://archive.today/20230914203950/https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/pmc-redut-the-wagner-groups-potential-replacement/ . 14 September 2023 . 14 September 2023 . Geopolitical Monitor.
- Web site: 23 August 2023. Passenger plane crashes in Russia, Wagner chief Prigozhin possibly on board . 25 August 2023. Novaya Gazeta.
- Web site: 25 August 2023 . What now for Wagner after Prigozhin's death? . https://web.archive.org/web/20230909125608/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66604261 . 9 September 2023 . 12 September 2023 . BBC.
- Web site: 24 August 2023 . New groups in Russia vie to replace Wagner mercenaries . 25 August 2023 . NPR.
- Web site: 30 August 2023 . Now Prigozhin is gone, what happens to Wagner? . https://archive.today/20230914204456/https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/yevgeny-prigozhin-pmc-wagner-group-russia-ministry-defence-sergey-shoigu/ . 14 September 2023 . 14 September 2023 . OpenDemocracy.
- Web site: McLoughlin . Paul . 12 July 2023 . Syria Insight: What next for Russia's Wagner Group? . https://archive.today/20230801165348/https://www.newarab.com/analysis/syria-insight-what-next-russias-wagner-group . 1 August 2023 . 1 August 2023 . The New Arab.
- Web site: “Bearded the circus lasts for a year and a half.” Where are the soldiers of the Wagner PMC going . ru . BBC News Russian Service. 2023-11-02 . 2023-11-24 . 2023-11-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231124200327/https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/ce7j7r8ep61o . live .
- Web site: 16 August 2023 . ISW: Wagner insiders say Russian Defense Ministry lied about commander transfer . https://archive.today/20230823223337/https://kyivindependent.com/isw-48/ . 23 August 2023 . Kyiv Independent.
- Web site: 21 August 2023 . Kremlin's efforts to disband Wagner Group partially succeed – ISW . https://archive.today/20230823223226/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/08/21/7416375/ . 23 August 2023 . Ukrainska Pravda.
- Web site: 5 September 2023 . Russian Private Military Companies Move to Take Over Wagner Fighters . https://archive.today/20230913073515/https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russian-private-military-companies-move-to-take-over-wagner-fighters-a568f938 . 13 September 2023 . 14 September 2023 . Washington Journal.
- Web site: 23 August 2023 . Накануне гибели Пригожина Минобороны начало набор бойцов в Африку через свои ЧВК, выяснили "Важные истории". https://archive.today/20230825132121/https://istories.media/news/2023/08/23/nakanune-gibeli-prigozhina-minoboroni-nachalo-nabor-boitsov-v-afriku-cherez-svoi-chvk-viyasnili-vazhnie-istorii/ . 25 August 2023 . 25 August 2023. ru . iStories.
- Web site: Hastings . Rob . 26 August 2023 . Wagner mercenaries could be absorbed by arch rival Redut and slip into the shadows after Prigozhin's death . https://web.archive.org/web/20230826051119/https://inews.co.uk/news/world/wagner-mercenaries-rival-redut-prigozhin-death-2573376 . 26 August 2023 . 12 September 2023 . i.
- News: 'Weakened Putin' turns to old GRU rivals to fill mercenary gaps . YouTube . Times Radio . 11 November 2023.
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- Web site: Redut trick. How the GRU created a phantom PMC to recruit thousands of Russians for the war in Ukraine . ru . Current Time . 2023-12-01 . 2023-12-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231201232759/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/chvk-redut-schemy-systema/32708135.html . live.
- Web site: 3 August 2023 . Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 3, 2023. https://archive.today/20230804033653/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-3-2023 . 4 August 2023 . 3 August 2023 . Institute for the Study of War.
- Web site: 2 August 2023 . ЧВК "Вагнер" продолжает набор наемников в России, вопреки заявлениям Пригожина . https://archive.today/20230803072247/https://istories.media/news/2023/08/02/chvk-vagner-prodolzhaet-nabor-naemnikov-v-rossii-vopreki-zayavleniyam-prigozhina/ . 3 August 2023 . 3 August 2023. ru . iStories.
- Web site: 23 October 2023 . IStories: Russian PMC starts recruiting women as snipers, drone operators . https://web.archive.org/web/20231024012613/https://kyivindependent.com/russian-pmc-starts-recruiting-women-as-snipers-drone-operators/ . 24 October 2023 . 24 October 2023 . Kyiv Independent.
- Web site: 28 November 2023 . «Важные истории» узнали о наборе женщин в штурмовые отряды . https://web.archive.org/web/20240304103809/https://storage.googleapis.com/istories/news/2023/11/28/vazhnie-istorii-uznali-o-nabore-zhenshchin-v-shturmovie-otryadi/index.html . 4 March 2024 . 28 June 2024 . . ru.
- Web site: 21 August 2022 . Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220828032000/https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%2C%20August%2021.pdf . 28 August 2022 . 20 June 2023 . Institute for the Study of War.
- Web site: 11 August 2022 . "Их часто используют как пушечное мясо". Что известно о работе частных военных компаний на войне в Украине . https://archive.today/20220813060624/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/chto-izvestno-o-rabote-chastnyh-voennyh-kompaniy-na-voyne-v-ukraine/31983571.html . 13 August 2022 . 11 June 2023 . . ru.
- Web site: 23 May 2023 . Who's Who Among Russia's Mercenary Companies . https://archive.today/20230619031051/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-other-mercenary-companies-ukraine/32424520.html . 19 June 2023 . 19 June 2023 . Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- Web site: Thomas. Eydoux. Benjamin. Roger. The Bear Brigade, the Kremlin's new paramilitary outfit in Africa. Le Monde. 14 July 2024.
- Web site: Elian. Peltier. Year After Failed Mutiny, Russia Tightens Grip on Wagner Units in Africa. The New York Times. 25 June 2024.
- Web site: Bianca. Bridger. Mercenaries in the Sahel: Russia’s BEARS in Burkina Faso. Atlas News. 10 July 2024.
- Web site: Valentyna. Samar. Vladyslav. Marchenko. 12 December 2023. “Bears” – on Stage. Russian Soldiers Trained in Crimea for the War in Ukraine and Africa. Centre for Investigative Journalism.
- News: The 'Privatization of Force' Presses on in Russia (Part One) . https://archive.today/20230709001914/https://jamestown.org/program/the-privatization-of-force-presses-on-in-russia-part-one/ . 9 July 2023 . 9 July 2023 . Jamestown Foundation.
- Web site: 16 May 2023 . "Поток" под Бахмутом. Что известно о ЧВК, связанных с "Газпромом" . https://archive.today/20230517130207/https://www.bbc.com/russian/features-65602020 . 17 May 2023 . 23 May 2023 . . ru.
- Web site: 26 April 2023 . Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 26, 2023 . https://archive.today/20230426234813/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-26-2023 . 26 April 2023 . 3 May 2023 . Institute for the Study of War.
- Web site: 27 April 2023 . ISW says competition between Russian PMCs is growing in Bakhmut . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230503180332/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/27/7399603/ . 3 May 2023 . 3 May 2023 . Ukrainska Pravda.
- Web site: 16 May 2023 . It's not just Wagner At least three Gazprom-linked private military companies now have fighters in Ukraine . https://archive.today/20230517060501/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/16/it-s-not-just-wagner . 17 May 2023 . 23 May 2023 . Meduza.
- Web site: 16 May 2023 . It's not just Wagner At least three Gazprom-linked private military companies now have fighters in Ukraine . https://web.archive.org/web/20230610125440/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/16/it-s-not-just-wagner . 10 June 2023 . 11 June 2023 . Meduza.
- Web site: 2023-04-24 . "Хотят помочь остаться у власти Путину". Зачем "Газпром" создает свою ЧВК и будет ли она воевать в Украине – журналист-расследователь . 2023-10-26 . Current Time TV. ru.
- Web site: 14 April 2023 . Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415130427/https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%2C%20April%2014%2C%202023.pdf . 15 April 2023 . 20 June 2023 . Institute for the Study of War.
- Web site: Española: The Football Hooligans Fighting for Russia in Ukraine. 13 June 2024. Jake. Cremin. Grey Dynamics.
- Web site: 8 March 2024 . Española’s patrons revealed: Russian battalion of far-right soccer fans reportedly funded by railway official with ties to billionaire Rotenberg brothers . https://web.archive.org/web/20240317015047/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/04/espanola-s-patron-revealed . 17 March 2024 . 28 June 2024 . Meduza.
- Web site: 4 March 2024 . The Rotenberg brothers are creating their private army from PMCs consisting of football fans . https://web.archive.org/web/20240628001532/https://odessa-journal.com/the-rotenberg-brothers-are-creating-their-private-army-from-pmcs-consisting-of-football-fans . 28 June 2024 . 28 June 2024 . The Odessa Journal.
- Web site: 3 January 2024 . Putin's party steps up recruitment to its private army, Española – Ukraine's Defence Intelligence . https://web.archive.org/web/20240329200443/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/01/3/7435674/ . 29 March 2024 . 28 June 2024 . Ukrainska Pravda.
- Web site: 2024-03-09 . Why Russia’s Elite Are Building Their Very Own Private Armies . 2024-06-27 . Yahoo News . en-US.
- Web site: Пехота пуще неволи. Десятки вооружённых групп — ЧВК «Вагнера», кадыровцы, неонацисты — принимают в ряды «пушечного мяса» на войну в Украине всех, включая зеков и больных. Мы попытались стать добровольцами . Novaya Gazeta Europa. 2022-08-10 . 2023-11-25 . 2022-08-14 . https://archive.today/20220814111043/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/08/10/pekhota-pushche-nevoli . ru. live .
- Web site: svizzera . RSINews, l’informazione della Radiotelevisione . Mercenari russi e quel legame con la Svizzera . https://archive.today/20230305114914/https://www.rsi.ch/news/mondo/Mercenari-russi-e-quel-legame-con-la-Svizzera-15978238.html . 5 March 2023 . 2023-05-03 . . 30 January 2023 . it.
- Web site: Die Spur einer Söldnerbande führt auch in die Schweiz . https://archive.today/20230503191805/https://www.bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/das-verbindet-russische-soeldner-mit-der-schweiz-1606961.html . 3 May 2023 . 2023-05-03 . blue News . de.
- Web site: 24 February 2023 . Targeting Key Sectors, Evasion Efforts, and Military Supplies, Treasury Expands and Intensifies Sanctions Against Russia . https://archive.today/20230226190151/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1296 . 26 February 2023 . 11 June 2023 . United States Department of Treasury.
- Web site: 15 April 2021 . Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation . https://archive.today/20210427205503/https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/19/2021-08098/blocking-property-with-respect-to-specified-harmful-foreign-activities-of-the-government-of-the . 27 April 2021 . 11 June 2023 . Federal Register.
- Web site: The European Union has introduced the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. It prohibits the import of diamonds and the confiscation of clothes from Russians. Medvedev's son is on the blacklist. Novaya Gazeta Europe. 2023-12-18. 2023-12-21. 2023-12-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20231221224812/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/12/18/evrosoiuz-vvel-12-i-paket-sanktsii-protiv-rossii. live.
- News: The European Union imposed sanctions against Medvedev's son and Putin's relative. Radio Liberty. 2023-12-18. 2023-12-20. ru. 2023-12-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20231219070536/https://www.svoboda.org/a/evrosoyuz-vvel-sanktsii-protiv-syna-medvedeva-i-rodstvennitsy-putina/32736010.html. live.
- Web site: Dmitry Medvedev's son, Tsargrad TV channel and Rosfinmonitoring came under EU sanctions. ru. The Insider. 2023-12-20. 2023-12-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20231218211140/https://theins.info/news/267731. live.
- News: The UK has expanded sanctions. The list includes "Arctic LNG-2". Radio Freedom. 2024-02-22. 2024-02-23. ru.
- Web site: New UK sanctions mark 2 years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. en. GOV.UK. 2024-02-22. 2024-02-23.
- Web site: SOCIETY WITH LIMITED LIABILITY "REDOUT-SAFETY". ru. War and sanctions. 2024-02-23.
- Web site: A mercenaries' war How Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to a 'secret mobilization' that allowed oligarch Evgeny Prigozhin to win back Putin's favor . https://archive.today/20220820205721/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2022/07/14/a-mercenaries-war . 20 August 2022 . 2023-05-03 . . en.
- Web site: 12 November 2022 . Convicts in arms . https://archive.today/20230122214059/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/11/12/convicts-in-arms . 22 January 2023 . 3 May 2023 . Novaya Gazeta.
- Web site: Uzbekistan is verifying information about the capture of two of its citizens near Balaklia. They allegedly volunteered for the Russian army . https://web.archive.org/web/20230315062556/https://babel.ua/en/news/84263-uzbekistan-is-verifying-information-about-the-capture-of-two-of-its-citizens-near-balaklia-they-allegedly-volunteered-for-the-russian-army . 15 March 2023 . 2023-05-03 . babel.ua . 15 September 2022 . en.
- Web site: 20 May 2023 . Russia's Defence Ministry incorporates conscripts to its private military company – ISW . https://archive.today/20230611182013/https://news.yahoo.com/russias-defence-ministry-incorporates-conscripts-031300833.html?guccounter=1 . 11 June 2023 . 11 June 2023 . Yahoo News.
- Web site: Bertina . Alec . 27 June 2023 . PMC Veterans (60 OMSB Veteran): Putin's Loyalists . https://archive.today/20230712195433/https://greydynamics.com/pmc-veterans-60-omsb-veteran-putins-loyalists/%2330_Organisation . 12 July 2023 . 12 July 2023 . Grey Dynamics.
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- Web site: 28 February 2023 . The 'Privatization of Force' Presses on in Russia (Part Two) . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321023505/https://jamestown.org/program/the-privatization-of-force-presses-on-in-russia-part-two/ . 21 March 2023 . 11 June 2023 . Jamestown Foundation.
- Web site: From 'Volunteers' to Quasi-PMCs: Retracing the Footprints of Russian Irregulars in the Yugoslav Wars and Post-Soviet Conflicts . https://web.archive.org/web/20230315062558/https://jamestown.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Paper-3-Volunteers-to-Quasi-PMCs-1.pdf . 15 March 2023 . 3 May 2023 . Jamestown Foundation.
- Web site: The Role of Private Military Contractors in Russian Foreign Policy . https://archive.today/20230503192310/https://www.pism.pl/publications/The_Role_of_Private_Military_Contractors_in_Russian_Foreign_Policy . 3 May 2023 . September 18, 2022 . pism.pl.
- Web site: 18 May 2023 . Не только "Вагнер". Как воюют российские наемники в других "подразделениях" . https://archive.today/20230612003534/https://www.idelreal.org/a/32412817.html . 12 June 2023 . 11 June 2023 . . ru.
- Web site: 30 March 2018 . Putin's Invisible Army . https://archive.today/20230503192831/https://warsawinstitute.org/putins-invisible-army/ . 3 May 2023 . September 18, 2022 . Warsaw Institute.
- News: СБУ «розколола» російських диверсантів з приватної військової компанії, яких спецпризначенці Служби затримали на Харківщині минулого тижня . 21 June 2024 . SSU . 17 October 2022 . uk.
- Web site: 24 December 2022 . "Трошки пресували, звичайно". Чотирьох військовослужбовців РФ засудили за катування колишніх учасників АТО . 11 June 2023 . Судовий Репортер . uk.
- Web site: Не лише «Вагнер». Трьох бійців російської ПВК «Редут» засудили за найманство та воєнні злочини. uk. Graty.me. 1 November 2023.