Wikipedia

Redut

Redut (Russian: ЧВК «Редут», romanized: ChVK «Redut»), also known as Redoubt, Redut-Antiterror, Redut Security[19] or Centre R, formerly known as "Shield",[20][21] 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.[22][23] It is currently deployed by Russia in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[24][25][26][27] According to an RFE/RL investigation, concurrent "Redut" is controlled by the GRU and acts as a proxy umbrella organization for mercenaries, managing finances, recruitment and logistical supply of various formations.[12][13]

Redut
ЧВК «Редут»
Also known asExpeditionary Volunteer Assault Corps
Founders
Leaders
Dates of operation2008–present
Size
Part ofMinistry of Defence (Russia) (since 2022)[14][15][16]
Battles and wars
Designated as a terrorist group by Ukraine[17][18]
Websiteredut-czentr.narod.ru/
Preceded by

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.[15]

Members of the group have been convicted of committing war crimes during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

History

edit

Emergence

edit

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.[28] It is an affiliate or former branch of the Antiterror-Orel offshoot Tiger Top Rent Security[29] and primarily recruits soldiers of the Russian 45th Guards Special Reconnaissance Brigade.[30] 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.[30] It also provided military training and advisors for e.g. pro-Russian Abkhazian forces during the Russo-Georgian War.[31] The leaders of Redut at these times were the only registered shareholder of "Redut-Security", former head of the Slavonic Corps Yevgeny Sidorov,[32] and Konstantin Mirzayants, who reportedly led Redut to fight in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[6][33][34] 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.[2]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

edit

For the invasion, Redut recruited many members of the Wagner Group and Special Forces, totalling several thousands in January 2022, which angered Wagner head Yevgeny 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 Wagner employees for Redut, Prigozhin would "end"[35] 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.[2][36] 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 Mykola 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.[2][36]

Nationalization of Redut

edit

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.[15][16] Despite the heavy casualties, Redut PMC grew sharply to around 7,000 soldiers in 2023,[11] in part due to recruitment of prisoners and labor migrants from e.g. CIS states.[37][13] 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 Russian "volunteer" militias were going to be merged into a so-called "Russian Volunteer Corps", for which Redut serves as the parent company. The document establishing the corps was signed by retired GRU Colonel Aleksei Kondratyev.[12]

Fall of Wagner

edit

After the aborted Wagner coup attempt, the MoD tried to dissolve the Wagner Group, by absorbing, eliminating or taking over parts of Wagner.[38] Redut, along with Convoy,[39][40] plays a key role, by directly profiting of these actions as a government controlled entity.[41] Experts assessed that Redut likely possesses the capabilities and intent[42] to take over operations of its rival Wagner in Syria and other countries after the likely decapitation of Wagner's leadership,[43][44] although noting that it doesn't have the same niveau of fighting experience in comparison.[45] Others saw a pro-MoD rebranding of Wagner as more likely.[46] In July 2023, Wagner mercenaries in Syria and Ukraine were offered the opportunity to move to Redut, which is in active competition with Wagner.[47] A number of former Wagnerites joined Redut formations after this.[48] 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.[49] Furthermore, the Russian MoD is apparently using them to recruit Wagner personnel under the promise of new missions in Africa.[41] Shortly before the death of Wagner founders Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, Redut began preparation to enter Africa, focusing recruitment efforts on this area.[50] 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!".[39]

 
Emblem of the Volunteer Assault Corps

In October 2023 Russian state media reported on the formation of the "Expeditionary Volunteer Assault Corps" which unified several volunteer units such as "Wolves", "Dnepr", "Don", "Terek", BARS, "Nevsky", "Veterans", "St. George the Victorious", "Sever-Z" and others under a single command. Anatoly Bibilov, deputy commander of the corps for military and political work, noted that the word "Expeditionary" in the corps' name means that the unit is ready to carry out the tasks set by the Russian Ministry of Defense "anywhere regardless of place and time". He also claimed that every unit of the corps signed contracts with the MoD.[51] According to Russian OSINT analysts from AmalNews the corps is curated by Troshev.[52]

Re-organization and growth

edit

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.[53] Redut has notable presence and activity in Africa with the Bears Brigade.[54] Konstantin Mirzayants, the leader of Redut, is reportedly closely involved in the MoD's operations in Africa and the creation of the "Africa Corps", which seeks to take over Wagner's structures in Africa.[33]

Organization

edit

According to Candace Rondeaux, Redut members tend to be abstemious and disciplined.[55] 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 extraterritorial operations.[55] She further states that Redut "is fully folded into the Ministry of Defense infrastructure and always has been."[55] The 2023 RFE/RFL investigation confirmed "Redut" being a front for GRU operations, maintained through a network of shadow companies, fictitious legal entities and virtual military units[56][57] with the primary purpose of legally distancing the special operations from Russian government.[12]

Recruitment

edit

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.[30] It was leaked that representatives of Redut recruit convicts in high-security prisons.[58]

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.[30]

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.[59] This contradicts a statement by State Duma deputy Maxim Ivanov, who assured that "Redut" and its units signed contracts with the Ministry of Defence.[60]

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.[61] Recruitment of women also started in the Española Battalion.[62]

Units

edit

Don Brigade

edit
Further information: Union of Donbass Volunteers

Redut is believed to have a unit called "Don Brigade"[63] 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.[64] Contractors are recruited and paid by Redut,[65] which acts as a financial institution. Many of them directly join Redut in special "Don units", while still formally considered part of the UDV.[66] It consists of the battalion "Terek", with two more in line for recruiting—"Kuban" and "Yenisei".[20] 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

edit

The "Bears Brigade" is a Redut 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.[67][68] Contracts are signed with Russia's GRU.[69] 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, where it was ordered to assist the pro-Russian authoritarian military junta against Islamist terror attacks.[54] Parts of the formation were called home to aid Russian forces during the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast in late August 2024.[69]

Although being a self-claimed brigade, analysts estimate the formation to be between one and two battalions large.[70]

Wolves Battalion

edit

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.[26] The drone operator Cpt.-Lt. Matlaev Artem was killed in combat.[7]

Potok Battalion

edit
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.[71] The three main formations are "Fakel" (Torch), "Potok" (Stream) and "Plamya" (Flame), which are under control of the Russian MoD.[72] Later in April, members of the voluntary Gazprom military formation "Potok" were forced to sign contracts with Redut by the Russian MoD,[73][74][72][75] to fight with "Potok" under the command of Redut.[76] "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.".[77]

Veterans Battalion

edit
 
Logo and Patch of the Redut formation "Veterans"

The "Veterans Battalion" is reported to be part of Redut,[63] 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.[78] According to reports, the 2nd Battalion of the 60th ”Veterans” Separate Air Assault Brigade is operating on one of the Bakhmut flanks.[65]

Española Battalion

edit
Main article: Espaniola (battalion)
 
Patch of the Redut formation "Española"

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.[79] Reportedly, it is backed by Russian billionaire Viktor Shendrik, the head of the security department of Russian Railways, who also funds other mercenaries.[80] "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[81] and Bakhmut.[82] Española's intelligence chief was killed in early March 2024.[83]

Others

edit
Further information: Redut § Composition

As an umbrella organization that provides supplies and manpower to subordinated 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" battalion.[13] 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.[7] 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") †.[6]

Funding

edit

Redut receives its funding through the Russian Ministry of Defense, with General Vladimir Alexeyev (GRU) being a main patron.[16][13][84] 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.[85][86] Redut has reportedly altered its sources of support multiple times.[13]

Sanctions

edit

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,[87][25] 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.[88]

Ukrainian lawmakers approved Resolution "#3735" on February 9, 2023, recognizing Redut and other Russian private military companies as terrorist organizations.[17][18]

On December 18, 2023, PMC "Redut" was included in the sanctions list of the European Union:[89][90][91]

"Private Military Company Redut (“PMC Redut”) is a Russia-based unincorporated private military entity, which reportedly works under the command of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. It undertakes security and military-related activities, with direct participation in military conflicts. While previously associated with activities in Syria, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine PMC Redut has engaged in combat activities in Ukraine, near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and Kharkiv, as well as undertaken reconnaissance efforts prior to the war of aggression against Ukraine. It has also been linked to assassination attempts against the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy."

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.”.[93][94] For similar reasons, Redut is under sanctions in Ukraine, Switzerland and New Zealand.[95]

Activities

edit

Main areas

edit

Former areas

edit

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.[99][31][100] 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.[30] In order to establish itself in the Iraq environment, the company received direct support from the FSB (Russian intelligence).[101]

War crimes

edit
 
Redut PMC and GRU fighters being prosecuted in Kobelevskiy District Court, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine
 
Torture pit for ATO veterans in Borova, Kharkiv Oblast

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.[102][103] 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.[26] 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".[104]

Composition

edit

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ https://neolurk.org/wiki/ЧВК_Редут
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Жаба и Минобороны. Как поссорились Евгений Викторович с Сергеем Кужугетовичем" [Toad(trans?) and the Ministry of Defense. How Evgeny Viktorovich and Sergey Kuzhugetovich Quarreled]. The Insider (in Russian). 15 May 2023. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b Osechkin, Vladimir (3 January 2023). "Слив \\\"Редута\\\": откровения Сергея \\\"Салех\\\" Саливанова о связи ЧВК, ВДВ и др" [Leak of \\\"Reduta\\\": revelations of Sergei \\\"Saleh\\\" Salivanov about the connection between PMCs, Airborne Forces, etc.]. Gulagu.net (in Russian). Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  4. ^ ""Армия на полставки". Кто управляет российскими нерегулярными формированиями, воюющими в Украине? Исследование Би-би-си" ['Part-time army': Who runs Russian irregulars fighting in Ukraine? BBC investigation]. BBC News Русская служба (in Russian). Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  5. ^ Osechkin, Vladimir (28 December 2022). "Инсайд из ЧВК Редут в составе 45 ОБр СпН МинОбороны и роли Дерипаски" [Insider from PMC Redut as part of the 45th Special Forces Brigade of the Ministry of Defense and Deripaska's role]. Gulagu.net. Archived from the original on 20 June 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d "Расследование "Медузы" о наемниках на войне в Украине" [Meduza's investigation into mercenaries in the war in Ukraine]. Meduza (in Russian). Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "Данные о погибших в Украине: еще 28 военных с Юга России и Северного Кавказа" [Data on the dead in Ukraine: 28 more soldiers from the South of Russia and the North Caucasus]. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (in Russian). 22 February 2023. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  8. ^ "В Сирии убиты трое наемников из российской ЧВК "Щит". Она занимается охраной объектов, принадлежащих Геннадию Тимченко" [Three mercenaries from the Russian PMC "Shield" have been killed in Syria. It is engaged in the protection of objects belonging to Gennady Timchenko]. Meduza (in Russian). Archived from the original on 3 December 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  9. ^ "Без "Щита"" [Without "Shield"]. Novaya Gazeta (in Russian). 8 October 2017. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  10. ^ "Vladimir Osechkin about PMC Wagner and PMC Redut". The Odessa Journal. 28 October 2022. Archived from the original on 20 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  11. ^ a b Miller, Christopher; Seddon, Max; Ivanova, Polina (2 June 2023). "'Stream' and 'Torch': the Gazprom-backed militias fighting in Ukraine". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Schemes and Systema Read in Ukrainian Read in Russian. "Inside Russia's Fake Private Mercenary Company Fighting In Ukraine". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d e f Sukhankin, Sergey (3 March 2024). "After Prigozhin: The Anatomy of Russia's Evolving Private Military and Mercenary Industry". Jamestown Foundation. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Уловка "Редут". Как ГРУ вербует россиян на войну в Украине" [The Redut Trick: How the GRU Recruits Russians for the War in Ukraine]. www.svoboda.org (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  15. ^ a b c "Russian Use of Private Military and Security Companies-the implications for European and Norwegian Security FFI-RAPPORT". ResearchGate. Archived from the original on 30 October 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f "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". Meduza. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  17. ^ a b "Ukraine's Parliament Recognizes Wagner as Transnational Criminal Organization". Kyiv Post. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  18. ^ a b "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]. Verkhovna Rada (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  19. ^ https://checko.ru/company/redut-bezopasnost-1197746727530
  20. ^ a b "Пехота пуще неволи" [Infantry is worse than bondage]. Novaya Gazeta (in Russian). 10 August 2022. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  21. ^ "Зона поражения" [Damage zone]. Novaya Gazeta (in Russian). 10 November 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  22. ^ "РЕГИОНАЛЬНАЯ ОБЩЕСТВЕННАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ "ВЕТЕРАНОВ МИРОТВОРЧЕСКИХ МИССИЙ И ЛОКАЛЬНЫХ КОНФЛИКТОВ"" [REGIONAL PUBLIC ORGANIZATION "VETERANS OF PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS AND LOCAL CONFLICTS"]. Registry for the Association of Veterans of Peacekeeping and Local Conflict Missions (Zachestnyibiznes). Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  23. ^ Osechkin, Vladimir (5 January 2023). "О тайнах руководства ЧВК Редут и ЧВК Вагнер, связи с ВДВ и ФСБ, олигархах…" [About the secrets of the leadership of the Redut and Wagner PMCs, connections with the Airborne Forces and the FSB, oligarchs...]. Gulagu.net (in Russian). Archived from the original on 20 June 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  24. ^ "Tracing Wagner's Roots". New America. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  25. ^ a b "Private Military Company Redut". OpenSanctions. 13 December 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  26. ^ a b c "Long sentences passed on 'Redut' mercenaries fighting Russia's war against Ukraine with Finnish citizen's funding". Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  27. ^ "The Emergence of Russian Private Military Companies: A New Tool of Clandestine Warfare" (PDF). Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  28. ^ "Analyse: Russische PMCs im Nahen Osten und Afrika" [Analysis: Russian PMCs in the Middle East and Africa]. Federal Agency for Civic Education (in German). 8 February 2021. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  29. ^ "Отряд "Тигр" - Top Rent security" [Squad "Tiger" - Top Rent security]. Tiger Top Rent Security (in Russian). Archived from the original on 15 September 2019.
  30. ^ a b c d e "Не только "Вагнер". Как воюют российские наемники в других "подразделениях"" [No more "Wagner". As well as the Russian names in the "gifts".]. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (in Russian). 18 May 2023. Archived from the original on 12 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  31. ^ a b "From 'Volunteers' to Quasi-PMCs: Retracing the Footprints of Russian Irregulars in the Yugoslav Wars and Post-Soviet Conflicts" (PDF). Jamestown Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  32. ^ "Forward Operations: From Deir Ezzor to Donbas and Back Again". New America.
  33. ^ a b Dalton, Ben; Rondeaux, Candace; Weidt, Merle (22 February 2024). "Targeting the Wagner Group: How the U.S. Can Strengthen Sanctions Against Russia". New America.
  34. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 3, 2023". Institute for the Study of War. 3 November 2023.
  35. ^ "прикончить", that is, to murder in Russian slang
  36. ^ a b "Wie sich Prigoschin gegen andere Söldnertruppen durchgesetzt hat" [How Prigozhin prevailed against other mercenary troops]. Der Spiegel (in German). 15 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  37. ^ "Two Samarkand residents who fought in Ukraine in the ranks of the Wagner PMC were buried in Uzbekistan". Current Time TV (in Russian). 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  38. ^ "'Final nail in the coffin' for Russia's Wagner Group as leader Prigozhin presumed dead". CNBC. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  39. ^ a b "Накануне гибели Пригожина Минобороны начало набор бойцов в Африку через свои ЧВК, выяснили "Важные истории"". iStories (in Russian). 23 August 2023. Archived from the original on 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  40. ^ Oliphant, Roland (24 August 2023). "Inside ambitious mercenary outfit Redut, the Wagner rival linked to the Russian spy services". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  41. ^ a b "Kremlin's efforts to disband Wagner Group partially succeed – ISW". Ukrainska Pravda. 21 August 2023. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023.
  42. ^ Chkhaidze, Nicholas (30 August 2023). "PMC Redut: The Wagner Group's Potential Replacement". Geopolitical Monitor. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  43. ^ "Passenger plane crashes in Russia, Wagner chief Prigozhin possibly on board". Novaya Gazeta. 23 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  44. ^ "What now for Wagner after Prigozhin's death?". BBC. 25 August 2023. Archived from the original on 9 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  45. ^ "New groups in Russia vie to replace Wagner mercenaries". NPR. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  46. ^ "Now Prigozhin is gone, what happens to Wagner?". OpenDemocracy. 30 August 2023. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  47. ^ McLoughlin, Paul (12 July 2023). "Syria Insight: What next for Russia's Wagner Group?". The New Arab. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  48. ^ ""Bearded the circus lasts for a year and a half." Where are the soldiers of the Wagner PMC going". BBC News Russian Service (in Russian). 2 November 2023. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  49. ^ "ISW: Wagner insiders say Russian Defense Ministry lied about commander transfer". Kyiv Independent. 16 August 2023. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023.
  50. ^ "Russian Private Military Companies Move to Take Over Wagner Fighters". Washington Journal. 5 September 2023. Archived from the original on 13 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  51. ^ "Добровольческие подразделения в зоне СВО объединились в корпус" [Volunteer units in the SMO zone have merged into a corps]. TASS. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  52. ^ "ЧВК "Редут" и 1-й добровольческий корпус: подразделения и принадлежность" [PMC "Redut" and 1st Volunteer Corps: units and affiliation]. amalantra.ru. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  53. ^ Hastings, Rob (26 August 2023). "Wagner mercenaries could be absorbed by arch rival Redut and slip into the shadows after Prigozhin's death". i. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  54. ^ a b Bridger, Bianca (10 July 2024). "Mercenaries in the Sahel: Russia's BEARS in Burkina Faso". Atlas News.
  55. ^ a b c "'Weakened Putin' turns to old GRU rivals to fill mercenary gaps". Times Radio. YouTube. 11 November 2023.
  56. ^ "Death Laboratories. "Private" armies of Russia of the future". Radio Liberty (in Russian). 19 May 2023. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  57. ^ "Redut trick. How the GRU created a phantom PMC to recruit thousands of Russians for the war in Ukraine". Current Time (in Russian). Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  58. ^ a b c "Convicts in arms". Novaya Gazeta. 12 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  59. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 3, 2023". Institute for the Study of War. 3 August 2023. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  60. ^ "ЧВК "Вагнер" продолжает набор наемников в России, вопреки заявлениям Пригожина" [PMC "Wagner" continues to recruit mercenaries in Russia, despite Prigozhin's statements]. iStories (in Russian). 2 August 2023. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  61. ^ "IStories: Russian PMC starts recruiting women as snipers, drone operators". Kyiv Independent. 23 October 2023. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  62. ^ ""Важные истории" узнали о наборе женщин в штурмовые отряды" [Important Stories learned about the recruitment of women into assault squads]. iStories (in Russian). 28 November 2023. Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  63. ^ a b "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 21" (PDF). Institute for the Study of War. 21 August 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  64. ^ ""Их часто используют как пушечное мясо". Что известно о работе частных военных компаний на войне в Украине" ["They are often used as cannon fodder." What is known about the work of private military companies in the war in Ukraine]. Current Time TV (in Russian). 11 August 2022. Archived from the original on 13 August 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  65. ^ a b "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 14, 2023" (PDF). Institute for the Study of War. 14 April 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  66. ^ "Who's Who Among Russia's Mercenary Companies". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 23 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 June 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  67. ^ Eydoux, Thomas; Roger, Benjamin (14 July 2024). "The Bear Brigade, the Kremlin's new paramilitary outfit in Africa". Le Monde.
  68. ^ Peltier, Elian (25 June 2024). "Year After Failed Mutiny, Russia Tightens Grip on Wagner Units in Africa". The New York Times.
  69. ^ a b "Russian Mercenaries Pulled Out of Burkina Faso to Defend Kursk – Commander". The Moscow Times. 31 August 2024.
  70. ^ a b Samar, Valentyna; Marchenko, Vladyslav (12 December 2023). ""Bears" – on Stage. Russian Soldiers Trained in Crimea for the War in Ukraine and Africa". Centre for Investigative Journalism.
  71. ^ "The 'Privatization of Force' Presses on in Russia (Part One)". Jamestown Foundation. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  72. ^ a b ""Поток" под Бахмутом. Что известно о ЧВК, связанных с "Газпромом"" ["Potok" near Bakhmut. What is known about the PMCs linked to Gazprom]. BBC News Russian (in Russian). 16 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  73. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 26, 2023". Institute for the Study of War. 26 April 2023. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  74. ^ "ISW says competition between Russian PMCs is growing in Bakhmut". Ukrainska Pravda. 27 April 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  75. ^ "It's not just Wagner At least three Gazprom-linked private military companies now have fighters in Ukraine". Meduza. 16 May 2023. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  76. ^ "It's not just Wagner At least three Gazprom-linked private military companies now have fighters in Ukraine". Meduza. 16 May 2023. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  77. ^ ""Хотят помочь остаться у власти Путину". Зачем "Газпром" создает свою ЧВК и будет ли она воевать в Украине – журналист-расследователь" ["They want to help Putin stay in power." Why Gazprom is creating its own PMC and will it fight in Ukraine – investigative journalist]. Current Time TV (in Russian). 24 April 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  78. ^ a b Bertina, Alec (27 June 2023). "PMC Veterans (60 OMSB Veteran): Putin's Loyalists". Grey Dynamics. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  79. ^ a b Cremin, Jake (13 June 2024). "Española: The Football Hooligans Fighting for Russia in Ukraine". Grey Dynamics.
  80. ^ "Española's patrons revealed: Russian battalion of far-right soccer fans reportedly funded by railway official with ties to billionaire Rotenberg brothers". Meduza. 8 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  81. ^ "The Rotenberg brothers are creating their private army from PMCs consisting of football fans". The Odessa Journal. 4 March 2024. Archived from the original on 28 June 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  82. ^ "Putin's party steps up recruitment to its private army, Española – Ukraine's Defence Intelligence". Ukrainska Pravda. 3 January 2024. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  83. ^ "Why Russia's Elite Are Building Their Very Own Private Armies". Yahoo News. 9 March 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  84. ^ "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" [Infantry is worse than bondage. Dozens of armed groups — Wagner PMC, Kadyrovites, neo-Nazis — are accepting everyone, including prisoners and the sick, into the ranks of "cannon fodder" for the war in Ukraine. We tried to become volunteers]. Novaya Gazeta Europa (in Russian). 10 August 2022. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  85. ^ "Mercenari russi e quel legame con la Svizzera" [Russian mercenaries and that connection with Switzerland]. Radiotelevisione svizzera (in Italian). 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  86. ^ a b "Die Spur einer Söldnerbande führt auch in die Schweiz" [The trail of a mercenary gang also leads to Switzerland]. blue News (in German). Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  87. ^ "Targeting Key Sectors, Evasion Efforts, and Military Supplies, Treasury Expands and Intensifies Sanctions Against Russia". United States Department of Treasury. 24 February 2023. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  88. ^ "Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation". Federal Register. 15 April 2021. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  89. ^ "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. 18 December 2023. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  90. ^ "The European Union imposed sanctions against Medvedev's son and Putin's relative". Radio Liberty (in Russian). 18 December 2023. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  91. ^ "Dmitry Medvedev's son, Tsargrad TV channel and Rosfinmonitoring came under EU sanctions". The Insider (in Russian). Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  92. ^ "COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/2871". Official Journal of the European Union. 18 December 2023. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  93. ^ "The UK has expanded sanctions. The list includes "Arctic LNG-2"". Radio Freedom (in Russian). 22 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  94. ^ "New UK sanctions mark 2 years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine". GOV.UK. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  95. ^ "SOCIETY WITH LIMITED LIABILITY "REDOUT-SAFETY"". War and sanctions (in Russian). Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  96. ^ "Uzbekistan is verifying information about the capture of two of its citizens near Balaklia. They allegedly volunteered for the Russian army". babel.ua. 15 September 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  97. ^ "Russia's Defence Ministry incorporates conscripts to its private military company – ISW". Yahoo News. 20 May 2023. Archived from the original on 11 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  98. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, JUNE 27, 2024". Institute for the Study of War.
  99. ^ "The 'Privatization of Force' Presses on in Russia (Part Two)". Jamestown Foundation. 28 February 2023. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  100. ^ "The Role of Private Military Contractors in Russian Foreign Policy". pism.pl. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  101. ^ "Putin's Invisible Army". Warsaw Institute. 30 March 2018. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  102. ^ "СБУ "розколола" російських диверсантів з приватної військової компанії, яких спецпризначенці Служби затримали на Харківщині минулого тижня" [The SBU "split up" the Russian saboteurs from a private military company, who were detained by special agents of the Service in Kharkiv Oblast last week]. SSU (in Ukrainian). 17 October 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  103. ^ ""Трошки пресували, звичайно". Чотирьох військовослужбовців РФ засудили за катування колишніх учасників АТО" ["There was a bit of pressure, of course." Four servicemen of the Russian Federation were convicted of torturing former participants of the anti-terrorist operation]. Судовий Репортер (in Ukrainian). 24 December 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  104. ^ "Не лише "Вагнер". Трьох бійців російської ПВК "Редут" засудили за найманство та воєнні злочини" [Not only "Wagner". Three soldiers of the Russian Redut PEC were convicted of mercenary and war crimes]. Graty.me (in Ukrainian). 1 November 2023.

Further reading

edit
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Redut&oldid=1260217782"