This article may require
copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by
editing it. (November 2023) (
Learn how and when to remove this template message) |
Pavel Sudoplatov Battalion | |
---|---|
Russian: Батальон имени Павла Судоплатова | |
Founded | September 2022 (September 2022) |
Country | Russia |
Allegiance | Russia |
Type | Militia |
Size | 600+ (claimed, January 2023) [1] |
Engagements | Russian invasion of Ukraine |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Yevgeny Balitsky |
The Pavel Sudoplatov Battalion ( Russian: Батальон имени Павла Судоплатова) is a Russian volunteer battalion in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast of Ukraine named after the Soviet intelligence officer and Melitopol native Pavel Sudoplatov. [3]
The battalion was established in September 2022 [4] [5] and consists of pro-Russian Ukrainians [6] and foreign volunteers. [7] It is allied with the Russian-installed authorities in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast and led by Yevgeny Balitsky, [5] whose son is also a member of the battalion. [1]
The PSB was formally registered as the State Unitary Enterprise "Volunteer Battalion named after P.A. Sudoplatov" by the Federal Taxation Service. [8] Volunteers are paid 400,000 rubles or 5,000 US dollars. [8]
On 4 July, 2023, the Battalion would be subordinated into the BARS-32 ceasing its existence as an independent unit. [9]
Foreigners who have been recruited to the PSB include nationals from Serbia, [10] Sweden and Turkey. [11]