The most notorious Russian paramilitary affiliated with the Kremlin was sanctioned by the European Union on April 13 for “actively participating in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.”

Although private military companies are prohibited by law, several paramilitary groups exist under the auspices of the Kremlin.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, for example, has reportedly formed the Patriot mercenary group.

Ukrainian military expert Serhiy Hrabskyi, who follows Russian military developments, has said that Russian state-run Gazprom is forming its own paramilitary unit.

A Russian mercenary, according to Novaya Gazeta Europe, said that he had served in the Redut private military company and was trained in Tambov Oblast, and the outfit is reportedly funded by oligarch Gennady Timchenko.

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