Redut

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.{{cite web |date=8 February 2021 |title=Analyse: Russische PMCs im Nahen Osten und Afrika |trans-title=Analysis: Russian PMCs in the Middle East and Africa |url=https://www.bpb.de/themen/europa/russland-analysen/nr-397/327199/analyse-russische-pmcs-im-nahen-osten-und-afrika/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230503193115/https://www.bpb.de/themen/europa/russland-analysen/nr-397/327199/analyse-russische-pmcs-im-nahen-osten-und-afrika/ |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Federal Agency for Civic Education |language=de}} It is an affiliate or former branch of the Antiterror-Orel offshoot Tiger Top Rent Security{{Cite web |title=Отряд "Тигр" - Top Rent security |trans-title=Squad "Tiger" - Top Rent security |url=http://man-tigers-special.narod.ru/index.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190915192523/http://man-tigers-special.narod.ru/index.html |archive-date=15 September 2019 |website=Tiger Top Rent Security |language=ru}} 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", former head of the Slavonic Corps Yevgeny Sidorov,{{Cite web|title=Forward Operations: From Deir Ezzor to Donbas and Back Again|url=https://www.newamerica.org/future-security/reports/decoding-wagner-group-analyzing-role-private-military-security-contractors-russian-proxy-warfare/forward-operations-from-deir-ezzor-to-donbas-and-back-again/|website=New America}} and Konstantin Mirzayants, who reportedly led Redut to fight in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newamerica.org/future-frontlines/briefs/targeting-wagner-group-us-sanctions/|title=Targeting the Wagner Group: How the U.S. Can Strengthen Sanctions Against Russia|website=New America|date=22 February 2024|first1=Ben|last1=Dalton|first2=Candace|last2=Rondeaux|first3=Merle|last3=Weidt}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-3-2023|date=3 November 2023|website=Institute for the Study of War|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, November 3, 2023}} It is not clear how Mirzayants and Sidorov were involved in the reformation of Redut. 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.

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""прикончить", that is, to murder in Russian slang 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.{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Wie sich Prigoschin gegen andere Söldnertruppen durchgesetzt hat |trans-title=How Prigozhin prevailed against other mercenary troops |url=https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/russland-ukraine-krieg-wie-prigoschin-sich-gegen-andere-soeldnertruppen-durchsetzte-a-aa9cc0ae-3b15-46f8-91cf-8e293e9a8d96 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Der Spiegel |language=de}} 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 had suffered up to 90% losses, which practically eliminated the Redut PMC, leaving Prigozhin's Wagner Group to dominate the scene.

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.{{Cite web |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/uzbeks-recruited-war-ukraine/32272772.html |title=Two Samarkand residents who fought in Ukraine in the ranks of the Wagner PMC were buried in Uzbekistan |language=ru |website=Current Time TV |date=2023-02-15 |access-date=2023-11-24 |archive-date=2023-11-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124200327/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/uzbeks-recruited-war-ukraine/32272772.html |url-status=live }} At this time, Redut became one of the MoD's main recruiting projects for mercenary formations. 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.

After the aborted Wagner coup attempt, the MoD tried to dissolve the Wagner Group, by absorbing, eliminating or taking over parts of Wagner.{{Cite web|date= 24 August 2023|title='Final nail in the coffin' for Russia's Wagner Group as leader Prigozhin presumed dead|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/24/prigozhin-presumed-dead-final-nail-in-coffin-for-russias-wagner-group.html|access-date= 25 August 2023|website=CNBC}} Redut, along with Convoy,{{Cite web |last=Oliphant |first=Roland |date=24 August 2023 |title=Inside ambitious mercenary outfit Redut, the Wagner rival linked to the Russian spy services |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/08/24/redut-russia-yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-rival/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906005334/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/08/24/redut-russia-yevgeny-prigozhin-plane-crash-rival/ |archive-date=6 September 2023 |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=The Daily Telegraph}} plays a key role, by directly profiting of these actions as a government controlled entity. Experts assessed that Redut likely possesses the capabilities and intent{{Cite web |last=Chkhaidze |first=Nicholas |date=30 August 2023 |title=PMC Redut: The Wagner Group's Potential Replacement |url=https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/pmc-redut-the-wagner-groups-potential-replacement/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230914203950/https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/pmc-redut-the-wagner-groups-potential-replacement/ |archive-date=14 September 2023 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Geopolitical Monitor}} to take over operations of its rival Wagner in Syria and other countries after the likely decapitation of Wagner's leadership,{{Cite web|date= 23 August 2023|title=Passenger plane crashes in Russia, Wagner chief Prigozhin possibly on board |url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/08/23/passenger-plane-crashes-in-russia-wagner-chief-prigozhin-possibly-on-board-en-news|access-date= 25 August 2023|website=Novaya Gazeta}}{{Cite web |date=25 August 2023 |title=What now for Wagner after Prigozhin's death? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66604261 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909125608/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66604261 |archive-date=9 September 2023 |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=BBC}} although noting that it doesn't have the same niveau of fighting experience in comparison.{{Cite web|date= 24 August 2023 |title=New groups in Russia vie to replace Wagner mercenaries |url=https://pca.st/ow5u2sua |access-date= 25 August 2023 |website=NPR}} Others saw a pro-MoD rebranding of Wagner as more likely.{{Cite web |date=30 August 2023 |title=Now Prigozhin is gone, what happens to Wagner? |url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/yevgeny-prigozhin-pmc-wagner-group-russia-ministry-defence-sergey-shoigu/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230914204456/https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/yevgeny-prigozhin-pmc-wagner-group-russia-ministry-defence-sergey-shoigu/ |archive-date=14 September 2023 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=OpenDemocracy}} In July 2023, Wagner mercenaries in Syria and Ukraine were offered the opportunity to move to Redut, which is in active competition with Wagner.{{Cite web |last=McLoughlin |first=Paul |date=12 July 2023 |title=Syria Insight: What next for Russia's Wagner Group? |url=https://www.newarab.com/analysis/syria-insight-what-next-russias-wagner-group |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230801165348/https://www.newarab.com/analysis/syria-insight-what-next-russias-wagner-group |archive-date=1 August 2023 |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=The New Arab}} A number of former Wagnerites joined Redut formations after this.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/ce7j7r8ep61o |title="Bearded the circus lasts for a year and a half." Where are the soldiers of the Wagner PMC going |language=ru |website=BBC News Russian Service|date=2023-11-02 |access-date=2023-11-24 |archive-date=2023-11-24 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20231124200327/https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/ce7j7r8ep61o |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=16 August 2023 |title=ISW: Wagner insiders say Russian Defense Ministry lied about commander transfer |url=https://kyivindependent.com/isw-48/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230823223337/https://kyivindependent.com/isw-48/ |archive-date=23 August 2023 |website=Kyiv Independent}} Furthermore, the Russian MoD is apparently using them to recruit Wagner personnel under the promise of new missions in Africa.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2023 |title=Kremlin's efforts to disband Wagner Group partially succeed – ISW |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/08/21/7416375/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230823223226/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/08/21/7416375/ |archive-date=23 August 2023 |website=Ukrainska Pravda}} Shortly before the death of Wagner founders Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, Redut began preparation to enter Africa, focusing recruitment efforts on this area.{{Cite web |date=5 September 2023 |title=Russian Private Military Companies Move to Take Over Wagner Fighters |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russian-private-military-companies-move-to-take-over-wagner-fighters-a568f938 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230913073515/https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russian-private-military-companies-move-to-take-over-wagner-fighters-a568f938 |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Washington Journal}} 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!".{{Cite web |date=23 August 2023 |title=Накануне гибели Пригожина Минобороны начало набор бойцов в Африку через свои ЧВК, выяснили "Важные истории" |trans-title=|url=https://istories.media/news/2023/08/23/nakanune-gibeli-prigozhina-minoboroni-nachalo-nabor-boitsov-v-afriku-cherez-svoi-chvk-viyasnili-vazhnie-istorii/ |archive-url=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/ |archive-date=25 August 2023 |access-date=25 August 2023|language=ru |website=iStories}}

File:Russian Volunteer Assault Corps's insignia.svg

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.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2023 |title=Добровольческие подразделения в зоне СВО объединились в корпус |trans-title=Volunteer units in the SMO zone have merged into a corps |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/19011891 |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=TASS}} According to Russian OSINT analysts from AmalNews the corps is curated by Troshev.{{Cite web |title=ЧВК "Редут" и 1-й добровольческий корпус: подразделения и принадлежность |trans-title=PMC "Redut" and 1st Volunteer Corps: units and affiliation |url=https://amalantra.ru/chvk-redut/ |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=amalantra.ru}}

As of 2024, Redut grew to tens of thousands of operatives, estimated at 25000, managing up to 20 formations. 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.{{Cite web |last=Hastings |first=Rob |date=26 August 2023 |title=Wagner mercenaries could be absorbed by arch rival Redut and slip into the shadows after Prigozhin's death |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/wagner-mercenaries-rival-redut-prigozhin-death-2573376 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826051119/https://inews.co.uk/news/world/wagner-mercenaries-rival-redut-prigozhin-death-2573376 |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=i}} Redut has notable presence and activity in Africa with the Bears Brigade. 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.

According to Candace Rondeaux, Redut members tend to be abstemious and disciplined.{{cite news |title='Weakened Putin' turns to old GRU rivals to fill mercenary gaps |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv7TMdFDk38 |agency=YouTube |publisher=Times Radio |date=11 November 2023}} 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. She further states that Redut "is fully folded into the Ministry of Defense infrastructure and always has been." 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{{Cite news|title=Death Laboratories. "Private" armies of Russia of the future|url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/laboratorii-smerti-chastnye-armii-rossii-buduschego-/32418580.html|website=Radio Liberty|date =2023-05-19|access-date=2023-12-02|language=ru|archive-date=2023-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606001051/https://www.svoboda.org/a/laboratorii-smerti-chastnye-armii-rossii-buduschego-/32418580.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/chvk-redut-skhemia-systema/32708135.html |title=Redut trick. How the GRU created a phantom PMC to recruit thousands of Russians for the war in Ukraine |language=ru |website=Current Time |access-date=2023-12-01 |archive-date=2023-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201232759/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/chvk-redut-schemy-systema/32708135.html |url-status=live}} with the primary purpose of legally distancing the special operations from Russian government.

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.{{Cite web |date=3 August 2023 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 3, 2023|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-3-2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230804033653/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-3-2023 |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} This contradicts a statement by State Duma deputy Maxim Ivanov, who assured that "Redut" and its units signed contracts with the Ministry of Defence.{{Cite web |date=2 August 2023 |title=ЧВК "Вагнер" продолжает набор наемников в России, вопреки заявлениям Пригожина |trans-title=PMC "Wagner" continues to recruit mercenaries in Russia, despite Prigozhin's statements |url=https://istories.media/news/2023/08/02/chvk-vagner-prodolzhaet-nabor-naemnikov-v-rossii-vopreki-zayavleniyam-prigozhina/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230803072247/https://istories.media/news/2023/08/02/chvk-vagner-prodolzhaet-nabor-naemnikov-v-rossii-vopreki-zayavleniyam-prigozhina/ |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=3 August 2023|language=ru |website=iStories}}

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.{{Cite web |date=23 October 2023 |title=IStories: Russian PMC starts recruiting women as snipers, drone operators |url=https://kyivindependent.com/russian-pmc-starts-recruiting-women-as-snipers-drone-operators/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024012613/https://kyivindependent.com/russian-pmc-starts-recruiting-women-as-snipers-drone-operators/ |archive-date=24 October 2023 |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=Kyiv Independent}} Recruitment of women also started in the Española Battalion.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2023 |title="Важные истории" узнали о наборе женщин в штурмовые отряды |trans-title=Important Stories learned about the recruitment of women into assault squads |url=https://storage.googleapis.com/istories/news/2023/11/28/vazhnie-istorii-uznali-o-nabore-zhenshchin-v-shturmovie-otryadi/index.html |archive-url=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 |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=iStories |language=ru}}

{{Further|Union of Donbass Volunteers}}

Redut is believed to have a unit called "Don Brigade"{{Cite web |date=21 August 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 21 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%2C%20August%2021.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828032000/https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%2C%20August%2021.pdf |archive-date=28 August 2022 |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} 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.{{Cite web |date=11 August 2022 |title="Их часто используют как пушечное мясо". Что известно о работе частных военных компаний на войне в Украине |trans-title="They are often used as cannon fodder." What is known about the work of private military companies in the war in Ukraine |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/chto-izvestno-o-rabote-chastnyh-voennyh-kompaniy-na-voyne-v-ukraine/31983571.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220813060624/https://www.currenttime.tv/a/chto-izvestno-o-rabote-chastnyh-voennyh-kompaniy-na-voyne-v-ukraine/31983571.html |archive-date=13 August 2022 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Current Time TV |language=ru}} 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.{{Cite web |date=23 May 2023 |title=Who's Who Among Russia's Mercenary Companies |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-other-mercenary-companies-ukraine/32424520.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230619031051/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-other-mercenary-companies-ukraine/32424520.html |archive-date=19 June 2023 |access-date=19 June 2023 |website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} 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".

The "{{ill|Bears Brigade|uk|81-ша бригада спеціального призначення «Ведмеді»}}" 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.{{Cite web|first1=Thomas|last1=Eydoux|first2=Benjamin|last2=Roger|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2024/07/14/the-bear-brigade-the-kremlin-s-new-paramilitary-outfit-in-africa_6684180_124.html|title=The Bear Brigade, the Kremlin's new paramilitary outfit in Africa|website=Le Monde|date=14 July 2024}}{{Cite web|first=Elian|last=Peltier|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/25/world/africa/russia-wagner-africa-corps.html|title=Year After Failed Mutiny, Russia Tightens Grip on Wagner Units in Africa|website=The New York Times|date=25 June 2024}} Contracts are signed with Russia's GRU. 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.{{Cite web|first=Bianca|last=Bridger|url=https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/07/10/mercenaries-in-the-sahel-russias-bears-in-burkina-faso/|website=Atlas News|date=10 July 2024|title=Mercenaries in the Sahel: Russia's BEARS in Burkina Faso}} Parts of the formation were called home to aid Russian forces during the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast in late August 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/08/31/russian-mercenaries-pulled-out-of-burkina-faso-to-defend-kursk-commander-a86214|date=31 August 2024|title=Russian Mercenaries Pulled Out of Burkina Faso to Defend Kursk – Commander|website=The Moscow Times}}

Although being a self-claimed brigade, analysts estimate the formation to be between one and two battalions large.{{Cite web|first1=Valentyna|last1=Samar|first2=Vladyslav|last2=Marchenko|date=12 December 2023|title="Bears" – on Stage. Russian Soldiers Trained in Crimea for the War in Ukraine and Africa|website=Centre for Investigative Journalism|url=https://investigator.org.ua/en/investigations/261916/}}

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. 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. The drone operator Cpt.-Lt. Matlaev Artem was killed in combat.

{{Main|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.{{Cite news |title=The 'Privatization of Force' Presses on in Russia (Part One) |url=https://jamestown.org/program/the-privatization-of-force-presses-on-in-russia-part-one/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230709001914/https://jamestown.org/program/the-privatization-of-force-presses-on-in-russia-part-one/ |archive-date=9 July 2023 |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=Jamestown Foundation}} The three main formations are "Fakel" (Torch), "Potok" (Stream) and "Plamya" (Flame), which are under control of the Russian MoD.{{Cite web |date=16 May 2023 |title="Поток" под Бахмутом. Что известно о ЧВК, связанных с "Газпромом" |trans-title="Potok" near Bakhmut. What is known about the PMCs linked to Gazprom |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/features-65602020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230517130207/https://www.bbc.com/russian/features-65602020 |archive-date=17 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |website=BBC News Russian |language=ru}} Later in April, members of the voluntary Gazprom military formation "Potok" were forced to sign contracts with Redut by the Russian MoD,{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 26, 2023 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-26-2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230426234813/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-26-2023 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title=ISW says competition between Russian PMCs is growing in Bakhmut |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/27/7399603/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503180332/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/27/7399603/ |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=Ukrainska Pravda}}{{Cite web |date=16 May 2023 |title=It's not just Wagner At least three Gazprom-linked private military companies now have fighters in Ukraine |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/16/it-s-not-just-wagner |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230517060501/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/16/it-s-not-just-wagner |archive-date=17 May 2023 |access-date=23 May 2023 |website=Meduza}} to fight with "Potok" under the command of Redut.{{Cite web |date=16 May 2023 |title=It's not just Wagner At least three Gazprom-linked private military companies now have fighters in Ukraine |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/16/it-s-not-just-wagner |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610125440/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/05/16/it-s-not-just-wagner |archive-date=10 June 2023 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Meduza}} "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.".{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title="Хотят помочь остаться у власти Путину". Зачем "Газпром" создает свою ЧВК и будет ли она воевать в Украине – журналист-расследователь |trans-title="They want to help Putin stay in power." Why Gazprom is creating its own PMC and will it fight in Ukraine – investigative journalist |url=https://www.currenttime.tv/a/32376899.html |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=Current Time TV|language=ru}}

File:Veterans_Battalion_Logo_and_Patch.pngThe "{{ill|Veterans Battalion|ru|60-я отдельная штурмовая бригада «Ветераны»}}" 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.{{Cite web |date=14 April 2023 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 14, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%2C%20April%2014%2C%202023.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415130427/https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%2C%20April%2014%2C%202023.pdf |archive-date=15 April 2023 |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}

{{Main|Espaniola (battalion)}}

File:BaklanovFlag.png

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.{{Cite web|url=https://greydynamics.com/espanola-the-football-hooligans-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine/|title=Española: The Football Hooligans Fighting for Russia in Ukraine|date=13 June 2024|first=Jake|last=Cremin|website=Grey Dynamics}} Reportedly, it is backed by Russian billionaire Viktor Shendrik, the head of the security department of Russian Railways, who also funds other mercenaries.{{Cite web |date=8 March 2024 |title=Española's patrons revealed: Russian battalion of far-right soccer fans reportedly funded by railway official with ties to billionaire Rotenberg brothers |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/04/espanola-s-patron-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317015047/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/03/04/espanola-s-patron-revealed |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Meduza}} "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{{Cite web |date=4 March 2024 |title=The Rotenberg brothers are creating their private army from PMCs consisting of football fans |url=https://odessa-journal.com/the-rotenberg-brothers-are-creating-their-private-army-from-pmcs-consisting-of-football-fans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628001532/https://odessa-journal.com/the-rotenberg-brothers-are-creating-their-private-army-from-pmcs-consisting-of-football-fans |archive-date=28 June 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=The Odessa Journal}} and Bakhmut.{{Cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Putin's party steps up recruitment to its private army, Española – Ukraine's Defence Intelligence |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/01/3/7435674/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329200443/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/01/3/7435674/ |archive-date=29 March 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Ukrainska Pravda}} Española's intelligence chief was killed in early March 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-09 |title=Why Russia's Elite Are Building Their Very Own Private Armies |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-russia-elite-building-very-034002510.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}

{{Further|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. 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"){{KIA}}.

Redut receives its funding through the Russian Ministry of Defense, with General Vladimir Alexeyev (GRU) being a main patron.{{Cite web |url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/08/10/pekhota-pushche-nevoli |title=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 |trans-title=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 |website=Novaya Gazeta Europa|date=2022-08-10 |access-date=2023-11-25 |archive-date=2022-08-14 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220814111043/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/08/10/pekhota-pushche-nevoli |language=ru|url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Mercenari russi e quel legame con la Svizzera |trans-title=Russian mercenaries and that connection with Switzerland |url=https://www.rsi.ch/news/mondo/Mercenari-russi-e-quel-legame-con-la-Svizzera-15978238.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230305114914/https://www.rsi.ch/news/mondo/Mercenari-russi-e-quel-legame-con-la-Svizzera-15978238.html |archive-date=5 March 2023 |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=Radiotelevisione svizzera |date=30 January 2023 |language=it}}{{Cite web |title=Die Spur einer Söldnerbande führt auch in die Schweiz |trans-title=The trail of a mercenary gang also leads to Switzerland |url=https://www.bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/das-verbindet-russische-soeldner-mit-der-schweiz-1606961.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230503191805/https://www.bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/das-verbindet-russische-soeldner-mit-der-schweiz-1606961.html |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=blue News |language=de}} Redut has reportedly altered its sources of support multiple times.

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,{{Cite web |date=24 February 2023 |title=Targeting Key Sectors, Evasion Efforts, and Military Supplies, Treasury Expands and Intensifies Sanctions Against Russia |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1296 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230226190151/https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1296 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=United States Department of Treasury}} 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.{{Cite web |date=15 April 2021 |title=Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/19/2021-08098/blocking-property-with-respect-to-specified-harmful-foreign-activities-of-the-government-of-the |archive-url=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 |archive-date=27 April 2021 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Federal Register}}

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

On December 18, 2023, PMC "Redut" was included in the sanctions list of the European Union:{{Cite web|url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/12/18/evrosoiuz-vvel-12-i-paket-sanktsii-protiv-rossii|title=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|website=Novaya Gazeta Europe|date=2023-12-18|access-date=2023-12-21|archive-date=2023-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221224812/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/12/18/evrosoiuz-vvel-12-i-paket-sanktsii-protiv-rossii|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=The European Union imposed sanctions against Medvedev's son and Putin's relative|url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/evrosoyuz-vvel-sanktsii-protiv-syna-medvedeva-i-rodstvennitsy-putina/32736010.html|website=Radio Liberty|date=2023-12-18|access-date=2023-12-20|language=ru|archive-date=2023-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219070536/https://www.svoboda.org/a/evrosoyuz-vvel-sanktsii-protiv-syna-medvedeva-i-rodstvennitsy-putina/32736010.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://theins.ru/news/267731|title=Dmitry Medvedev's son, Tsargrad TV channel and Rosfinmonitoring came under EU sanctions|language=ru|website=The Insider|access-date=2023-12-20|archive-date=2023-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218211140/https://theins.info/news/267731|url-status=live}}{{Quote box

|quote="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."

|author ="Official Journal of the European Union", Brussels

|source =December 18, 2023{{Cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202302871|title=COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2023/2871|website=Official Journal of the European Union|date=2023-12-18|access-date=2023-12-21|archive-date=2023-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218184726/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202302871|url-status=live}}

|width = 50%

|align = center

}}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.”.{{Cite news|title=The UK has expanded sanctions. The list includes "Arctic LNG-2"|url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/velikobritaniya-rasshirila-sanktsii-v-spisok-vklyuchyon-arktik-spg-2-/32830808.html|website=Radio Freedom|date=2024-02-22|access-date=2024-02-23|language=ru}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-uk-sanctions-mark-two-years-since-russias-illegal-invasion-of-ukraine|title=New UK sanctions mark 2 years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine|language=en|website=GOV.UK|date=2024-02-22|access-date=2024-02-23}} For similar reasons, Redut is under sanctions in Ukraine, Switzerland and New Zealand.{{Cite web|url=https://sanctions.nazk.gov.ua/ru/sanction-company/7648/|title=SOCIETY WITH LIMITED LIABILITY "REDOUT-SAFETY"|language=ru|website=War and sanctions|access-date=2024-02-23}}

• 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{{Cite web |title=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 |url=https://meduza.io/en/feature/2022/07/14/a-mercenaries-war |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220820205721/https://meduza.io/en/feature/2022/07/14/a-mercenaries-war |archive-date=20 August 2022 |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=Meduza |language=en}} and took part in the capture of Chernobyl.{{Cite web |date=12 November 2022 |title=Convicts in arms |url=https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/11/12/convicts-in-arms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230122214059/https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2022/11/12/convicts-in-arms |archive-date=22 January 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=Novaya Gazeta}} 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, the battle of the Siverskyi Donets and the battle of Balakliia.{{Cite web |title=Uzbekistan is verifying information about the capture of two of its citizens near Balaklia. They allegedly volunteered for the Russian army |url=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 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=babel.ua |date=15 September 2022 |language=en}} 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. Per ISW, the Redut formation "Veterans" is operating in the battle of Bakhmut on the flanks of the city.{{Cite web |date=20 May 2023 |title=Russia's Defence Ministry incorporates conscripts to its private military company – ISW |url=https://news.yahoo.com/russias-defence-ministry-incorporates-conscripts-031300833.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230611182013/https://news.yahoo.com/russias-defence-ministry-incorporates-conscripts-031300833.html?guccounter=1 |archive-date=11 June 2023 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Yahoo News}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Bertina |first=Alec |date=27 June 2023 |title=PMC Veterans (60 OMSB Veteran): Putin's Loyalists |url=https://greydynamics.com/pmc-veterans-60-omsb-veteran-putins-loyalists/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230712195433/https://greydynamics.com/pmc-veterans-60-omsb-veteran-putins-loyalists/%2330_Organisation |archive-date=12 July 2023 |access-date=12 July 2023 |website=Grey Dynamics}} The Redut formation "Española" took part in the assault on Azovstal, and later in the hostilities near Chasiv Yar in 2024.{{cite web | url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-27-2024 | title=RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, JUNE 27, 2024|website=Institute for the Study of War}}
• 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.

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.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2023 |title=The 'Privatization of Force' Presses on in Russia (Part Two) |url=https://jamestown.org/program/the-privatization-of-force-presses-on-in-russia-part-two/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321023505/https://jamestown.org/program/the-privatization-of-force-presses-on-in-russia-part-two/ |archive-date=21 March 2023 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Jamestown Foundation}}{{Cite web |title=From 'Volunteers' to Quasi-PMCs: Retracing the Footprints of Russian Irregulars in the Yugoslav Wars and Post-Soviet Conflicts |url=https://jamestown.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Paper-3-Volunteers-to-Quasi-PMCs-1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315062558/https://jamestown.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Paper-3-Volunteers-to-Quasi-PMCs-1.pdf |archive-date=15 March 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=Jamestown Foundation}}{{cite web |title=The Role of Private Military Contractors in Russian Foreign Policy |url=https://www.pism.pl/publications/The_Role_of_Private_Military_Contractors_in_Russian_Foreign_Policy |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230503192310/https://www.pism.pl/publications/The_Role_of_Private_Military_Contractors_in_Russian_Foreign_Policy |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=pism.pl}} 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.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=Не только "Вагнер". Как воюют российские наемники в других "подразделениях" |trans-title=No more "Wagner". As well as the Russian names in the "gifts". |url=https://www.idelreal.org/a/32412817.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230612003534/https://www.idelreal.org/a/32412817.html |archive-date=12 June 2023 |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=ru}} In order to establish itself in the Iraq environment, the company received direct support from the FSB (Russian intelligence).{{cite web |date=30 March 2018 |title=Putin's Invisible Army |url=https://warsawinstitute.org/putins-invisible-army/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230503192831/https://warsawinstitute.org/putins-invisible-army/ |archive-date=3 May 2023 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=Warsaw Institute}}

File:Redut_PMC_War_Crime_Prosecution_Kobelevskiy_District_Court.jpg

File:Borova_Kharkiv_Oblast_ATO_Veterans_Torture_Pit.jpgFour 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.{{cite news |title=СБУ "розколола" російських диверсантів з приватної військової компанії, яких спецпризначенці Служби затримали на Харківщині минулого тижня |trans-title=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 |url=https://ssu.gov.ua/novyny/sbu-rozkolola-rosiiskykh-dyversantiv-z-pryvatnoi-viiskovoi-kompanii-yakykh-spetspryznachentsi-sluzhby-zatrymaly-na-kharkivshchyni-mynuloho-tyzhnia |access-date=21 June 2024 |work=SSU |date=17 October 2022 |language=uk}}{{Cite web |date=24 December 2022 |title="Трошки пресували, звичайно". Чотирьох військовослужбовців РФ засудили за катування колишніх учасників АТО |trans-title="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 |url=https://sudreporter.org/troshky-presuvaly-zvychajno-chotyroh-vijskovosluzhbovcziv-rf-zasudyly-za-katuvannya-kolyshnih-uchasnykiv-ato/ |access-date=11 June 2023 |website=Судовий Репортер |language=uk}} 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. 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".{{Cite web |url=https://graty.me/news/ne-lishe-vagner-troh-bijcziv-rosijsko%d1%97-pvk-redut-zasudili-za-najmanstvo-ta-vo%d1%94nni-zlochini/ |title=Не лише "Вагнер". Трьох бійців російської ПВК "Редут" засудили за найманство та воєнні злочини |trans-title=Not only "Wagner". Three soldiers of the Russian Redut PEC were convicted of mercenary and war crimes |language=uk |website=Graty.me|date=1 November 2023}}

{{Tree list}}

• Redut
• Union of Cossack Warriors of Russia and Abroad
• Don Brigade
• Listan Battalion
• Terek Brigade
• Skif Battalion
• {{ill|Siberia Cossack Brigade|ru|Казачья бригада «Сибирь»}}
• Owned by Redut, supervised by 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
• {{ill|Veterans Brigade|ru|60-я отдельная штурмовая бригада «Ветераны»}}
• Gazprom Neft Security
• Potok ("Stream") Formation
• Others
• {{ill|Bears Brigade|uk|81-ша бригада спеціального призначення «Ведмеді»}}
• Lev ("Lion") Formation
• Rysi ("Lynx") Formation
• Borz Formation
• Española Formation
• Troya ("Troy") Formation
• Irbis ("Snow Leopard") Formation
• Imperial Legion Formation {{small|(left "Redut")}}
• Rusich Formation {{small|(left "Redut")}}

{{Tree list/end}}

• List of private security and military companies
• Russian irregular units in Ukraine
• Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Fakel (PMC)
• Patriot (PMC)
• Wagner Group

{{Reflist|refs=

}}

• Tor Bukkvoll, Åse G. Østensen: [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329736854_Russian_Use_of_Private_Military_and_Security_Companies-the_implications_for_European_and_Norwegian_Security_FFI-RAPPORT Russian Use of Private Military and Security Companies-the implications for European and Norwegian Security], FFI-RAPPORT, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, 11 September 2018, retrieved from researchgate.net on 18 September 2022.
• Tor Bukkvoll, Åse G. Østensen: [https://publications.ffi.no/en/item/asset/dspace:6751/1811576.pdf The Emergence of Russian Private Military Companies: A New Tool of Clandestine Warfare], Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, DOI:10.1080/23296151.2020.1740528, 2020

• [https://warsawinstitute.org/putins-invisible-army/ Putin's Invisible Army], Grzegorz Kuczyński, Warsaw Institute, 30 March 2018.
• [https://www.bpb.de/themen/europa/russland-analysen/nr-397/327199/analyse-russische-pmcs-im-nahen-osten-und-afrika/ Analysis: Russian PMCs in the Middle East and Africa], Felix Riefer, Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, 8 February 2021, accessed 18 September 2022

{{War in Donbass}}

{{Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

Category:2008 establishments in Russia

Category:Military units and formations established in 2008

Category:Paramilitary organizations based in Russia

Category:Pro-Russian militant groups

Category:Private military contractors

Category:Russian mercenaries

Category:Russo-Georgian War

Category:Military units and formations of Russia in the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Category:Military units and formations of Russia in the war in Donbas

Category:Separatist forces of the war in Donbas

Category:Organizations based in Europe designated as terrorist

Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Ukraine