Pyatnashka Brigade
| Pyatnashka Brigade | |
|---|---|
| Бригада «Пятнашка» | |
| File:Patch of the Pyatnashka Brigade.svg | |
| Active | 2014–present |
| Country |  Donetsk People's Republic |
| Branch | DPR People's Militia (2015–2022) Russian Armed Forces (2022–present) |
| Size | Brigade |
| Nickname(s) | The Fifteen |
| Engagements | War in Donbas |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Akhra Avidzba |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
The Pyatnashka Brigade is a military unit of Russian Ground Forces. Until 1 January 2023, it was part of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). It is attached to the 1st Donetsk Army Corps.[1] It mainly consists of international volunteers. The brigade is led by Akhra Avidzba, an officer of Abkhaz origin.[2]
History
War in Donbas
The brigade was formed in the summer of 2014. It was nicknamed "The Fifteen" in reference to the unit's original strength of 15 soldiers. The brigade would take part in the multiple battles of the War in Donbas.[3]
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The brigade fought against the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.[4][dead link] The brigade was heavily involved in the Battle of Avdiivka[5][6] In March 2024, it was reported that the brigade had accepted Chinese volunteers.[7]
Foreign Fighters
The brigade has international volunteers of different nationalities. The presence of British, Chinese, Japanese and Serbian fighters have been confirmed.[8][9][10][11]
References
- ^ "1-я Славянская бригада ДНР: история создания, состав и боевой путь". amalantra.ru. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
- ^ "Ukrainian company uses social media, open source technology to counter Russian invasion". PBS NewsHour. 2023-04-19. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "The Battle of Ilovaisk". Forensic Architecture. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Critical Threats". Critical Threats. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ Chapple, Amos (2023-11-07). "Red Flags: Soviet Symbols Return To Russia's Military". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Inside What Remains Of Russian-Occupied Avdiyivka". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ Giustino, Mariano (2024-03-12). "Vladimir Putin's mercenaries". Pamfleti. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ Zivanovic, Maria (December 13, 2018). "Donbass Brothers: How Serbian Fighters Were Deployed in Ukraine". Balkan Insight.
- ^ "Chinese mercenaries are fighting for Russia in Ukraine. - National Security News". nationalsecuritynews.com. 2024-06-04. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
- ^ Writter, Staff (2024-03-27). "British Mercenaries Fighting For Russia in Ukraine Labelled Traitors". Taarifa Rwanda. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
- ^ "Interview] Daisaku Kaneko, the only Japanese "Volunteer Soldier in the Russian Army," reveals "Why I am fighting against Ukraine". FRIDAY DIGITAL. 2024-05-03. Retrieved 2024-06-23.