The Sibir Battalion (Ukrainian: Батальйон «Сибір», romanized: Batalion “Sybir”, lit. 'Siberian Battalion'; Russian: Батальон «Сибирь», romanized: Batalon “Sibir”) is a paramilitary group made up of Russian citizens opposed to the Putin administration.[2] Members of this unit include Russians, Yakuts, and Buryats, who see Ukraine's victory as an opportunity to gain independence or wide autonomy from Russia.[3] Before signing a contract, citizens of the Russian Federation undergo a thorough inspection, which can last up to a year. The battalion does not recruit captured Russian soldiers.[4] The unit fought in the Battle of Avdiivka. On 12 March 2024, the unit participated in a raid into the Kursk and Belgorod regions of Russia alongside the Freedom of Russia Legion.[2]
| Sibir Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Батальон «Сибирь» (Russian) Батальйон «Сибір» (Ukrainian) | |
 | |
| Active | October 2023–Present |
| Allegiance |  Ukraine
|
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | ~60[citation needed] |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Vladislav Ammosov |
| Insignia | |
| Unofficial Flag of Siberia[1] |  |
| Old patch used from 2023-2024 |  |
The commander of the battalion is Vladislav Ammosov.[5] He is an ethnic Yakut, and claims to have worked in Russia's GRU foreign military intelligence agency for 15 years. He fought in the First and Second Chechen wars.[6] Ammosov supports independence for his native Sakha (Yakutia).[7]
The Sibir battalion uses the unofficial flag of Siberia, a horizontal white-green bi-color.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Liberation forces raised flags in another village in Belgorod region". mil.in.ua. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Ukraine-based Russian armed groups claim raids into Russia". BBC. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
- ^ AFP (25 October 2023). "Ukraine Presents New Unit Formed By Siberian Volunteers". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "В Україні сформували з громадян РФ батальйон "Сибір": що про нього відомо". www.unian.ua (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ ""Именно мы станем той силой, которая вернет сибирякам свободу"". Регион.эксперт. 12 August 2023.
- ^ A Former Russian Military Intelligence Officer Explains Why He's Fighting For Ukraine 12 April 2023.
- ^ Історія російського офіцера ГРУ, який воює на боці України за незалежність Якутії 19 May 2023.