The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reports that United russia political party, led by Putin, has established its own private military force known as the PMC Española.
Previously associated with the East volunteer unit, comprised of russian football hooligans, this now-termed terrorist group has been under the control of Putin’s party members since 2023. The organization transitioned to the status of a private military company, with United russia party funding active recruitment efforts.
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The PMC Española welcomes various individuals, including football ultras, russian radicals, supporters of Nazi ideology, and civilians from economically distressed regions of the russian federation and temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The latter group is utilized in assaults to solidify the unit’s combat status.
Operating recruitment centers in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, the Española Group promises volunteers 220,000 rubles monthly for direct involvement in hostilities against Ukraine, with a minimum contract duration of six months. To entice participation, insurance payments are offered:
- 1 million rubles for minor injuries;
- 2 million rubles for moderate injuries;
- 3 million rubles for serious injuries;
- 5 million rubles in the event of death.
Despite the financial incentives, for many recruits, the first battle serves as a one-way ticket. The russians do not evacuate the deceased or seriously wounded from the ranks of the recruited cannon fodder, instead registering them as missing to avoid compensating relatives for the solider.
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