This is reported by the National Resistance Centre of Ukraine.
It is noted that this is a privileged semi-secret battalion, comprising several hundred convicts with combat experience, named "gladiators" in honor of the former general of the 58th Army with the call sign Spartacus.
Read more: russia Denies to Pay or Reduce Sentences of Prisoners from Storm Z Units
"The battalion is under the command of a former police officer convicted of a brutal murder. This unit recruits individuals with a high level of physical fitness, experience in law enforcement agencies, and military veterans," according to the statement.
In addition, at the training ground, the “gladiators” are trained, in particular, by former Wagnerians and Kadyrovites from the Akhmat SOBR unit, which is part of the russian Guard.
According to the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom, when creating the Storm Z units, russia likely intended to form elite units to seize the tactical initiative on the front lines in Ukraine. However, they ended up becoming penal battalions with conscripts.
Read more: Wagner Group’s Ex-Convicts and Mercenaries Claim Veteran Status and Benefits
