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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[2]
The commander of the battalion is Vladislav Ammosov.[5] 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.[6] Ammosov supports independence for his native Sakha (Yakutia).[7]
The Sibir battalion uses the unofficial flag of Siberia, a horizontal white-green bi-color.[1]
Ukraine
