Western special forces veterans could train Russians for war in Ukraine
Photo: Russian military personnel (Getty Images)
Veterans of Western special forces may have trained Russian citizens, including active military personnel, to fight in Ukraine, according to The Telegraph.
Based on intelligence files, the information was assessed with a high degree of confidence.
In particular, the report refers to former fighters of the British Special Air Service (SAS).
The intelligence note, which came into the hands of journalists, was prepared for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), based on conversations with two former Australian special forces operatives and a current reservist.
According to their statements, they were offered instructor jobs at training camps in Bulgaria and Serbia, where Russian clients allegedly underwent preparation.
Where Russians may have been trained
One of the centers mentioned in the intelligence note is Alfa-Metal in Bulgaria. It offers training programs modeled on special forces curricula, including advanced sniper courses. The cost of training is around 4,000 euros per person.
Among the potential clients listed are employees of private military companies, security guards, and corporate security services.
Russians were reportedly accepted in Europe
The note claims that after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, European private training centers continued to accept Russian nationals. In particular, this included close-combat training courses.
According to the interviewed veterans, during intelligence gathering, center staff stated that Russians were still being trained as recently as 2025.
At the same time, Alfa-Metal’s website featured a photo of the SAS emblem, and the company had published job ads seeking a British instructor with special forces experience.
One of the listed instructors on the center’s website claimed to have served for 12 years in the US Special Operations Command. He cited experience in counterterrorism, ranger training, airborne operations, jungle warfare, and long-range reconnaissance.
Did Western military really train Russians?
Alfa-Metal denies the allegations. The company stated that it has not trained Russian citizens or hired former SAS members since the start of the invasion.
The company also initially denied any ties with the Russian private security firm Alfa Region. However, following The Telegraph’s inquiry, Alfa-Metal representatives admitted to having had historical professional contacts with the firm.
The intelligence note is currently under investigation by Australia's ASIS. The findings may be shared with the UK and the US within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
The Telegraph emphasizes, however, that it was unable to independently verify the claims made in the document.
Several sources within the SAS also cast doubt on the information about veterans participating in the training of Russians. According to them, such actions would contradict the values of the special forces unit.
A representative of the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on matters related to British special forces or intelligence.
Frontline news
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