Redut is a Russian Private Military Company (PMC) also known as Centre R, PMC Redut, and Redut Security. The organisation is part of the “anti-terror family,” a grouping of PMCs that protects Russian commercial interests and also advances Russian geopolitical goals. Nominally controlled by the foreign military intelligence agency of the Russian Federation, the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU), it acts as a proxy umbrella organisation that manages several different PMCs. Established in 2008, it has operated in a variety of fields and theatres, including Syria and, during the Russo-Georgia War of 2008, in Georgia. It is currently active in both Ukraine and Africa through its sub-units.
1 History of Redut
1.1 Emergence of Redut 2003-2008
Redut-Antiterror reportedly emerged in 2008 from the Private Military Security Company (PMSC) Antiterror-Orel, which was founded in 2003 by members of the Russian Special Forces. It is also reportedly a branch/affiliate of Tiger Top Rent Security, another offshoot of Antiterror-Orel.
Redut-Antiterror provided military training and also advisors to pro-Russian Abkhazian forces in the Russo-Georgian War in 2008.
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1.2 Redut between 2008-2022
Redut’s full activities between 2008 and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 are unclear, but it has provided security for:
- Oil production facilities
- Military installations
- Russian diplomats
- Russian convoys
- Corporate real estate
Redut also provided security for Gennady Timchenko’s JSC Stroytransgaz facilities in Syria.
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1.3 Redut and the Invasion of Ukraine
Due to a growing rivalry between Wagner and the Russian MOD, Redut was designed to be a major competitor for Russian PMC contracts. This allegedly was organised by General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of the GRU, who made a relative, Anatoly Karaziy, the head of the Redut PMC group.
In preparation for the invasion of Ukraine, Redut began recruiting members of both Wagner and also the Russian Special Forces. This reportedly angered former Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin, who threatened to “end” Alexeyev. However, this resulted in Alexeyev inviting Prighozin to Redut HQ, where Prigozhin is reported to have said that he ‘misunderstood.’
Redut reportedly was deployed to play a major part in the initial invasion of Ukraine, including the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. However, Western and Ukrainian intelligence services knew of these plans in advance of the invasion, which led to Redut suffering losses of up to 90% of its personnel. This severe reduction in Redut’s manpower left a vacuum that allowed Wagner to dominate the Russian PMC scene.
1.4 Redut post-Kyiv Assault
Following the decimation of its forces in the initial assault on Kyiv in the opening days of the war, the remaining Redut contractors were offered contracts by the Russian MOD to serve in an official capacity under the Russian Armed Forces.
Redut began recruiting and rebuilding its forces, leading to it having around 7000 fighters by 2023. This sharp rise in membership was driven, reportedly, by the recruitment of prisoners and also migrants from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
At this point, Redut became one of the primary avenues through which the Russian MOD recruited mercenaries/PMCs.
In early 2023, both Redut and the Union of Donbas Volunteers (UDV), a paramilitary veterans association for veterans of the War in the Donbas, held a congress in Mariupol. During the gathering, the two organisations announced the merger of all Russian “volunteer” militias into a “Russian Volunteer Corps” with Redut as the parent company.
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1.5 Redut post-Wagner Coup
After the Wagner coup attempt in June 2023, the Russian MOD attempted to dissolve the Wagner Group by absorbing or transferring parts of the organisation to other PMC organisations, such as Redut and PMC Convoy.
In July 2023, Wagner mercenaries in both Syria and Ukraine were offered contracts to reassign them to Redut. This resulted in Redut gaining several previous Wagner employees, including two high-ranking representatives/commanders, Andrey “Sedoy” Troshev (“Grey”) and Vadim V. (“Khrustal”).
Additionally, shortly before the deaths of Prigozhin and prominent Wagner figure Dimitry Utkin in August 2023, Redut began preparing to enter operations in Africa. Social media posts urged people to join Redut, saying:
“Wagner is in the past. If you are really interested in real work in Africa, the Ministry of Defence and PMC Redut is your choice!”
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1.6 Redut Re-organisation and Growth (2024-)
As of December 2024, Redut reportedly has an estimated 25,000 mercenaries and other contractors. It has emerged as the main Russian PMC organisation, is very active in Africa and Syria, and has operated alongside other Russian PMCs on the continent, such as the BEAR Brigade.
The reported leader of Redut, Konstantin Mirzayants, is allegedly tied to the Russian MOD, its operations in Africa, and the creation of “Africa Corps,” which is also reportedly assuming Wagner’s operations on the continent.
2 Organisation of Redut
As Redut is not a sole military group, much like Wagner, it operates as an umbrella organisation. This means that it encompasses and also delegates tasks to several different units that operate underneath it.
Additionally, an investigation by the Ukraine-based Skhemy project and the Russian media Sistema confirmed that Redut is less of a private military company than it is a GRU front. This involved the recruiting of fighters for Redut by the GRU, operating through a network of ‘shadow companies,’ non-existent military units and additionally, fictitious legal entities to legally distance Moscow from ‘special operations.’
2.1 Units Operating Under Redut
There are a variety of units that operate under Redut. There are also a number of units that, while not technically operating under Redut, are still connected to the organisation and operate under other parts of the Russian military.
2.1.1 Composition of Redut
Redut is believed to be composed of the following units:
Don Brigade
The Don Brigade, a part of the Union of Donbas Volunteers (UDV), is a veterans association of mainly ethnic Cossack fighters. Many Cossacks join Redut in special so-called “Don Units,” which are still nominally part of the UDV.
Redut absorbed the UDV and the Don Brigade in 2023 following a congress to determine the future of the varying Russian volunteer mercenary groups.
[source, source, source, source, source]
Sibir (“Siberia”) Battalion
The Cossack, Sibir Battalion, was created on 28 August 2023. It is believed to be staffed with people from the Siberian, Yenisei and also the Irkutsk Cossack military societies. On 15 November 2023, the Siberia Battalion was spotted in the Kleshcheyevka area, near Bakhmut. On 3 February 2024, it was also reported to be operating in the Soledar area.
BEARS Brigade
The BEAR Brigade is a mercenary organisation, part of Redut, which operates in both Africa and Ukraine. Its main purpose is the protection and training of local security forces to protect strategic Russian interests in the regions in which it is deployed.
Alongside the Africa Corps, the BEARs Brigade was formed to secure the control of the Russian MOD over existing Russian paramilitary groups abroad. It has been active in both Burkina Faso and the contested Kursk Oblast.
Wolves Battalion
The “Wolves Battalion”, also known as the Volki Assault Brigade, is a Russian mercenary formation, a part of Redut, which is overseen by the 16th Guards Spetsnaz Brigade. It was involved in the early invasion of Kyiv in 2022 in the early stages of the Ukraine War. After being forced to retreat, the group was deployed to the Kharkiv Oblast, where they took heavy casualties and were then stationed near the Balaklia stronghold. Subsequently, after being surrounded by Ukrainian forces, they were captured, tried, and also convicted with four of the fighters charged with the torture of Ukrainian civilians.
After retreating from Balaklia the group was stationed near Kreminna in order to cover the Russian troops who were retreating from the region. Then, after resting in the Luhansk area the Wolves went on to fight in the area of the villages of Ploshchanka and Shypylivka in November 2022.
In early 2023 the Wolves unit was upgraded from a “battalion-size unit” to a brigade and was then also transferred to the assault on Avdiivka. During the battles in and around Avdiivka, the Wolves engaged in aerial reconnaissance (most likely using drones), artillery and mortar support and they also assaulted Ukrainian positions.
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Potok, Plamya, Fakel Battalions
In early 2023, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin allowed a subsidiary of Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, to form a PMC. Led by former high-ranking members of Russia’s Federal Security Service and the Internal Affairs Ministry, Potok, Plamya and Fakel were then placed under the control of the Russian MOD much like other PMC formations in Russia. This has been primarily done in order to prevent the dissent which was seen when Wagner ‘rebelled’ in June 2023.
In April 2023, the Russian MOD forced members of the Potok PMC to sign contracts with Redut. Potok participated in battles near Bakhmut and took over some Wagner positions prior to abandoning them due to insufficient supplies and preparation.
[source, source, source, source]
Veterans Battalion
The “Veterans Battalion” is said to be integrated within the Redut framework, which oversees its recruitment processes and functions as a financial entity. This battalion has around 2,000 personnel, primarily engaged in reconnaissance and assault operations.
The unit is well-equipped with advanced weaponry, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), armoured personnel carriers (APCs), main battle tanks (MBTs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), logistical support vehicles, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, and various artillery systems. Furthermore, the battalion boasts superior training and extensive combat experience relative to other Russian military units. The “Veterans” are also recognized by their insignia featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin.
DShRG Rusich
The Sabotage Assault Reconnaissance Group (DShRG), also known as “Rusich” or “DShRG Rusich” is a Russian far-right, neo nazi paramilitary group that has been fighting in the Russian war in Ukraine as a part of Wagner Group and Redut.
Although not formally a part of Redut, the Rusich Telegram account has posted complaints regarding the “numerous pseudo-PMCs” who are a part of the MOD. They also commented on payment issues experienced by Rusich Group members fighting in the Veresk PMC.
[source]
Española Battalion
The Española Battalion is a collection of Russian far-right football hooligans turned fighters in Ukraine. The name of the unit is a play on “Spaniard,” the callsign of its founder, Stanislav Orlov, a proficient polyglot.
Primarily recruiting through Telegram and VK, it attracts neo-nazis and other far-right individuals throughout Russia. It is reportedly backed by the Russian billionaire Viktor Shendrik, the head of Russian Railways’ security department.
Fighters from the “Española Battalion” were involved in the assault on Azovstal where they also directly fought against the Azov Brigade in May 2022. They were also involved in fighting on the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia fronts as well as near Uglezdar, Avdiivka and Bakhmut.
Timeframe of fighting
- Mariupol – February to May 2022
- Azovstal – May 2022
- Kherson Front – Late 2022
- Zaporizhzhia Front – Late 2022
- Bakhmut – August 2022 to September 2023
- Avdiivka – Early 2024
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2.2 Funding of Redut
Russia’s MOD provides most of Redut’s funding. GRU General Vladimir Axexeyev is its main patron. Oleg Deripaska and Gennady Timchenko reportedly are also major Redut backers.
[source, source, source, source, source]
2.3 Recruitment
Due to the umbrella-organisation nature of Redut, many of its subsidiary PMC organisations have their own recruitment methods. However, according to an RFE investigation, there are several identifiable recruitment criteria for joining Redut:
- 25-45 years of age
- Military and/or law enforcement experience
- No ongoing law enforcement prosecution
- Expunged convictions, other than those for rape, paedophilia or drug distribution are accepted
- Medical certificates that show the absence of:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis
- HIV
A new recruit to Redut in May 2023 claimed that requirements to join the PMC are actually much lower. This recruit stated in an interview that Redut “takes everyone in a row.” According to the interview, the minimum requirements were: 20 years old, not convicted of serious criminal offences (drugs, rape), and a certificate of good health.
Redut representatives reportedly also began recruiting convicts from high-security prisons in 2023.
2.3.1 Contracts
Redut recruits’ contracts are dubious and are not entirely solidified. There are reports that recruits may be given contracts with construction companies and also other entities that are linked to the Russian GRU. One such contract was with RLSPI, a company based in Rostov-on-Don. However, RLSPI is a regional GRU laboratory for socio-psychological research (also known as Unit 35555).
Since the annexation of the four Ukrainian Oblasts by Russia in 20 September 2022, salaries are paid in rubles instead of dollars, as Russian authorities no longer recognise the territories as foreign.
A reporter for the Russian investigative journalist site iStories signed a contract with the “Wolves” Assault Brigade without signing a Ministry of Defence contract, bypassing a Russian MOD requirement for all volunteer formations in Russia who participate in the war.
3 Equipment of Redut
Due to the PMC status of Redut, and the varying units that operate under its umbrella, its weapons and equipment are extremely varied. They are able to purchase weapons to fit whatever role they are undertaking, unlike other conventional military units.
3.1 Weapons of Redut
Listed below, are some of the weapons with which Redut and its associated formations have been photographed:
- Assault Rifles
- AK-74 – 5.45x39mm
- AK-74M – 5.45x39mm
- AKM – 7.62x39mm
- M4 (Variants) – 5.56x45mm
- Likely captured from Ukrainian forces
- Shotguns
- Vepr-12 – 12 Gauge
- Light Machine Guns
- RPK-74 – 7.62x39mm
- Medium Machine Guns
- PKM – 7.62x45mm
- Heavy Machine Guns
- NSV – 12.7x108mm
- Pistols
- APS – 9x18mm
- Makarov – 9x18mm
- Sniper and Designated Marksman Rifles
- SVD Dragunov – 7.62x54mm
- SV-98 – 7.62x54mm
- ORSIS T-5000 – 6.5x47mm
- 6P29M VSSM Vintorez – 9x39mm
- Rocket, anti-tank and Explosive Devices
- RPG-7
- 9K135 Anti-Tank Guided Missile system
- 9M113 Kornet Anti-Tank Guided Missiles with 9P163-1 launcher
- RPG-22 ‘Netto’ rocket launchers
- 2A36 Giatsint-B field gun
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3.2 Vehicles of Redut
The vehicles used by the sub-units, such as the PMC Veterans, vary with the sub-unit’s funding. They include, but are not limited to:
- Russian Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs)
- Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs)
- T-90 Main Battle Tank (MBT)
- TOS-1A Thermobaric Rocket Launchers
- Civilian Trucks
- Civilian Cars
- Motorbikes
- Logistics Vehicles
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3.3 Armour and Kit used by Redut
Redut uses a wide variety of both issued and privately purchased kit, a common practice across both sides of the Ukrainian conflict.
This includes:
- StKSS- Structural Kinetic Support System
- A-20 Titian – Plate Carrier
- Wartech Belt – For Medical Supplies
- Omnitek Ballistic Helmet
- Ear Pro X
- PVS-31 NVG
- Ars Arma Belly Pouch
- Ares Helmet
- SOKL ‘Leaf’ Suit
- Civilian Drones
- Many have been fitted with explosive devices and used as FPV suicide drones
4 Theatres of Operation
Redut has worked in several theatres throughout its history. This includes but is not limited to:
- Iraq (Kurdistan)
- Syria
- Somalia
- The Caribbean
- Former Yugoslavia
- Ukraine
- Abkhazia (Russo-Georgian War 2008)
- DRC
- Guinea Bissau
- Russia
5 Conclusion
Redut, also known as PMC Redut, is a Russian Private Military Company (PMC). Part of the “anti-terror family,” a grouping of PMCs that protect Russian commercial interests, it is currently active in Ukraine and also Africa and stands accused of war crimes against Ukrainian forces. Its sub-units have been seen in active combat all across the Eastern front of the Ukrainian War. Using a variety of equipment–such as small arms, artillery and drones–it is a highly lethal collection of privatised fighters used by both the Russian Government and the GRU to advance their aims in areas, and in ways, deemed unsuitable for regular forces.
