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. 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. 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. 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.
Sibir Battalion | |
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Батальон «Сибирь» (Russian) Батальйон «Сибір» (Ukrainian) | |
Active | October 2023–Present |
Allegiance | Ukraine |
Type | Infantry |
Size | ~60 |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Vladislav Ammosov |
Insignia | |
Unofficial Flag of Siberia | |
Old patch used from 2023-2024 |
The commander of the battalion is Vladislav Ammosov. 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. Ammosov supports independence for his native Sakha (Yakutia).
The Sibir battalion uses the flag of Siberia, a horizontal white-green bi-color.