Pavel Sudoplatov Battalion
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Pavel Sudoplatov Battalion | |
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Russian: Батальон имени Павла Судоплатова | |
Founded | September 2022 (September 2022) |
Country | Russia |
Allegiance | Russia |
Type | Militia |
Size | 600+ (claimed, January 2023) |
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.
History
The battalion was established in September 2022 and consists of pro-Russian Ukrainians and foreign volunteers. It is allied with the Russian-installed authorities in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast and led by Yevgeny Balitsky, whose son is also a member of the battalion.
The PSB was formally registered as the State Unitary Enterprise "Volunteer Battalion named after P.A. Sudoplatov" by the Federal Taxation Service. Volunteers are paid 400,000 rubles or 5,000 US dollars.
On 4 July, 2023, the Battalion would be subordinated into the BARS-32 ceasing its existence as an independent unit.
Foreign fighters
Foreigners who have been recruited to the PSB include nationals from Serbia, Sweden and Turkey.