Russian Veterans Organization demands Kremlin recognize participation of private military companies in Syrian war
The Russian Veterans Organization appealed to the Kremlin to recognize that private military companies (PMC) are fighting in Syria alongside Russian soldiers. This would allow the soldiers fighting in these private military companies to receive the same social and economic support from the State as other combatants.
Members of the organization report that they have been receiving complaints and appeals on the matter for three years. Several high-ranking retired officers have joined in this request, including Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov and Ataman Yevgeny Shabayev.
Statements by veterans such as these may violate a “taboo” of discussing secret operations in Syrian war, in which thousands of Russians take part.
Although Russian officials stated that the troops were withdrawn from Syria, the Russian military continue to participate in the war. Private military companies—in particular, PMC Wagner—are operation in Syria. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has never confirmed this information. According to media, authorities are using PMCs to hide the real casualty statistics in Syria. However, mercenary activity is a crime under Russian law.
Recently, TV Rain stated that a similar structure to PMC Wagner is in Syria, and it’s known as PMC Patriot. According to TV Rain, PMC Patriot is connected to the Defense Ministry, and its fighting strength is formed with the military personnel. PMC Patriot was confirmed present in Syria by the veterans who appealed to the Kremlin.