The “Española” Brigade, formed in 2022 from football ultras, has announced its dissolution. Most of its fighters, under the command of Stanislav Orlov (“Español”), will transfer to new units within the Russian Ministry of Defense and other security structures. Separately, the naval detachment of “Española” and the “Melodiya” intelligence center in Crimea will continue to operate, Astra reports.
“Española” was known as the 88th reconnaissance and assault brigade, initially part of the Redut PMC and later the Volunteer Corps of the Ministry of Defense. Its core members were football ultras, some of whom openly held neo-Nazi views.
The formation participated in battles for Mariupol, near Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, and Avdiivka.
Earlier reports indicated that “Española” mercenaries were involved in a military intelligence scheme in which the GRU used Telegram bots to recruit saboteurs in Russia and abroad.
