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In 2015 so named LNR/DNR quasi-states and all their "military units" were designated as "[[List of designated terrorist groups|terrorist organisations]]" by [[Supreme Court of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/145-19|title=Про Заяву Верховної Ради України "Про визнання Україною юрисдикції Міжнародного кримінального суду щодо скоєння злочинів проти людяності та воєнних злочинів вищими посадовими особами Російської Федерації та керівниками терористичних організацій "ДНР" та "ЛНР", які призвели до особливо тяжких наслідків та масового вбивства українських громадян"]|work=[[Verkhovna Rada]]|language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://supreme.court.gov.ua/supreme/pres-centr/news/538522/|title=Постанова Верховного Суду щодо визнання діяльності терористичною|language=uk|work=[[Supreme Court of Ukraine]]}}</ref> [[Security Service of Ukraine]] has been pursuing units members in order to detain them since then.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leader of "Brianka USSR" terrorist group is convicted to 15-year imprisonment |url=https://ssu.gov.ua/en/novyny/7426 |access-date=29 October 2021 |work=[[Security Service of Ukraine]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Donetsk region: SBU uncovers militant who mined six bridges |url=https://ssu.gov.ua/en/novyny/7394 |access-date=29 October 2021 |work=[[Security Service of Ukraine]]}}</ref>
In 2015 so named LNR/DNR quasi-states and all their "military units" were designated as "[[List of designated terrorist groups|terrorist organisations]]" by [[Supreme Court of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/145-19|title=Про Заяву Верховної Ради України "Про визнання Україною юрисдикції Міжнародного кримінального суду щодо скоєння злочинів проти людяності та воєнних злочинів вищими посадовими особами Російської Федерації та керівниками терористичних організацій "ДНР" та "ЛНР", які призвели до особливо тяжких наслідків та масового вбивства українських громадян"]|work=[[Verkhovna Rada]]|language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://supreme.court.gov.ua/supreme/pres-centr/news/538522/|title=Постанова Верховного Суду щодо визнання діяльності терористичною|language=uk|work=[[Supreme Court of Ukraine]]}}</ref> [[Security Service of Ukraine]] has been pursuing units members in order to detain them since then.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leader of "Brianka USSR" terrorist group is convicted to 15-year imprisonment |url=https://ssu.gov.ua/en/novyny/7426 |access-date=29 October 2021 |work=[[Security Service of Ukraine]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Donetsk region: SBU uncovers militant who mined six bridges |url=https://ssu.gov.ua/en/novyny/7394 |access-date=29 October 2021 |work=[[Security Service of Ukraine]]}}</ref>

The Sparta Battalion has been described as being associated with [[neo-Nazism]] in regard to ideology.<ref name="boyd">{{Cite news |title=Russian warlord who led Neo-Nazi 'Sparta' battalion shot dead as Ukrainians hold town |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/russian-warlord-who-led-neo-26402909 |author=Milo Boyd |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=10 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Herold">{{cite news |title=Er wird als russischer Held gefeiert: Neonazi-Warlord stirbt offenbar in der Ukraine |trans-title=He is celebrated as a Russian hero: Neo-Nazi warlord apparently dies in Ukraine |url=https://www.tag24.de/thema/ukraine-konflikt/er-wird-als-russischer-held-gefeiert-neonazi-warlord-stirbt-offenbar-in-der-ukraine-2359945 |author=Michael Herold |work=[[Tag24]] |date=7 March 2022 |access-date=10 March 2022|language=de }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gogarty |first=Conor |date=2022-03-12 |title=Russian commanders killed in Ukraine including 'brutal warlord' |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/world-news/russian-commanders-killed-ukraine-invasion-23360033 |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=WalesOnline |language=en |quote=Guards Colonel Vladimir Zhoga led the Sparta battalion, a neo-Nazi military unit backed by the Kremlin. He was killed last Saturday during battle in the eastern Ukrainian town of Volnovakha.}}</ref>


===Timeline of battles===
===Timeline of battles===

Revision as of 07:47, 28 March 2022

Sparta Battalion
Батальон «Спарта»

Service sleeve insignia of the Sparta Battalion

Flag of the Sparta Battalion
ActiveSummer 2014 – present
Allegiance Donetsk People's Republic
BranchArmy
RoleSpecial Forces
Sizeabout 7,200 troops
Part of United Armed Forces of Novorossiya
Garrison/HQDonetsk
Nickname(s)Motorola's Division
EngagementsWar in Donbas

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

Commanders
Current
commander		Artem Zhoga
Notable
commanders		Arsen Pavlov †
Vladimir Zhoga †
Soldiers of the Sparta Battalion during the Second Battle of Donetsk Airport

The Sparta Battalion (Russian: батальон «Спарта») is a rebel militant group of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) formerly led by the Russian-born Arsen Pavlov (callsign "Motorola") militant until his death in October 2016. The new leader of the company became Vladimir Zhoga (Russian: Владимир Жога, callsign "Vokha"), a DPR fighter from Sloviansk,[1] until his death on 5 March 2022 at Volnovakha, Ukraine.[2][3][4] The battalion took part in the Battle of Ilovaisk and Second Battle of Donetsk Airport and several others.[5][6]

History

According to Ukrainian sources the unit was formed in August, 2014 in Donetsk based on the previously existing anti-tank/MG troop led by Pavlov which earlier allegedly participated in Battle of Ilovaisk along with Strelkov's "volunteer" forces.[7][8]

In 2015 so named LNR/DNR quasi-states and all their "military units" were designated as "terrorist organisations" by Supreme Court of Ukraine.[9][10] Security Service of Ukraine has been pursuing units members in order to detain them since then.[11][12]

Timeline of battles

In 2014 the battalion took part in the Battle of Illovaisk.[7]

In 2015 they fought in the Second Battle of Donetsk Airport.[13]

In January 2015 they participated in the Battle of Debaltseve.[14]

In March 2016 they were in the armed skirmish in Dokuchaievsk.[15]

In September 2016 the group was deployed into Lugansk People's Republic in order to prevent anticipated coup d'état.[16]

In March 2022, the group's commander Colonel Vladimir Zhoga was killed at Volnovakha in the course of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[17][18] He was posthumously awarded the title of "Hero of the Russian Federation" by Russian president Vladimir Putin.[19]

Branovitsky case

See also: Arsen Pavlov § War crimes

In April 2015 Russian deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia Amnesty International Denis Krivosheev blamed group's leader Arsen Pavlov (or "motorola") in killing and torturing Ukrainian's POWs.[20][21] According to him Pavlov personally admitted in the interview to the Kyiv Post that he killed Ukrainian Branovitsky Igor [ru] who was prisoner of war at the time of his detention and who suffered several facial wounds and wasn't able to walk.[21][22]

In an controversial tape which was published on YouTube in April 2015 which features voices of both of Kyiv Post's journalist and voice allegedly belonging to Motorola it may be heard that the latter claiming to have killed 15 prisoners when the journalist asked him about Branovitsky.[23][24] Amnesty called for thorough investigation of the crime.[21] Earlier, in February 2015 Ukrainian SSU started investigation into allegations.[25][26][24]

In June it was reported by Ukraine official that Interpol refused to put suspected Motorola on the wanted list on the grounds of "political nature of the Motorola case".[27][28]

Membership

Members' names were posted on Facebook on 5 April 2015 by Vyacheslav Abroskin, head of Donetsk Oblast's police. At least 40 names were listed.[24]

Gallery

  • First leader of the troop preparing to participate in Victory Parade in 2015.
    First leader of the troop preparing to participate in Victory Parade in 2015.
  • Sparta Battalion in Ilovaisk talking to civilians near a cellar (August 2014)
    Sparta Battalion in Ilovaisk talking to civilians near a cellar (August 2014)
  • Sparta Battalion troops near the Donetsk Airport (October 2014)
    Sparta Battalion troops near the Donetsk Airport (October 2014)
  • Company commander of the Sparta Battalion, "Matros", in Donetsk Airport. He led the final DPR assault on the New Terminal.
    Company commander of the Sparta Battalion, "Matros", in Donetsk Airport. He led the final DPR assault on the New Terminal.
  • Sparta Battalion fighter near the Donetsk Airport's Old Terminal (November 2014)
    Sparta Battalion fighter near the Donetsk Airport's Old Terminal (November 2014)
  • Arsen Pavlov with his troops on BTR-70s during the rehearsal of the 2015 Donetsk Victory Day parade
    Arsen Pavlov with his troops on BTR-70s during the rehearsal of the 2015 Donetsk Victory Day parade
  • Arsen Pavlov and Sparta Battalion troops on a BTR-80 during the 2016 Donetsk Victory Day parade
    Arsen Pavlov and Sparta Battalion troops on a BTR-80 during the 2016 Donetsk Victory Day parade

See also

References

  1. ^ "Separatist known as Vokha will become new commander of the Sparta Battalion". UA Wire. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  2. ^ "Погиб Герой ДНР Владимир Жога, командир "Спарты" после гибели Моторолы". eadaily.com.
  3. ^ Новости, Р. И. А. (March 5, 2022). "Командир "Спарты" погиб в Волновахе, обеспечивая выход мирных жителей" [Commander of "Sparta" died at Volnovakha while providing evacuation of civilians]. РИА Новости (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-03-05.
  4. ^ "Командир батальона ДНР "Спарта" Жога погиб при эвакуации людей из Волновахи". ВЗГЛЯД.РУ (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-03-05.
  5. ^ "The Battle of Ilovaisk: Details of a Massacre Inside Rebel-Held Eastern Ukraine". Newsweek. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  6. ^ "Ukraine Live Day 335: The Battle for Donetsk". The Interpreter. 18 January 2015. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Полевой командир "Моторола": от Чечни до Донбасса". www.depo.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  8. ^ "Комбат "Моторола": как мойщик машин стал командиром батальона "Спарта"". Рамблер/новости (in Russian). Retrieved 2019-05-02. Собранный как противотанковый бронебойный, отряд вскоре разросся.
  9. ^ "Про Заяву Верховної Ради України "Про визнання Україною юрисдикції Міжнародного кримінального суду щодо скоєння злочинів проти людяності та воєнних злочинів вищими посадовими особами Російської Федерації та керівниками терористичних організацій "ДНР" та "ЛНР", які призвели до особливо тяжких наслідків та масового вбивства українських громадян"]". Verkhovna Rada (in Ukrainian).
  10. ^ "Постанова Верховного Суду щодо визнання діяльності терористичною". Supreme Court of Ukraine (in Ukrainian).
  11. ^ "Leader of "Brianka USSR" terrorist group is convicted to 15-year imprisonment". Security Service of Ukraine. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  12. ^ "Donetsk region: SBU uncovers militant who mined six bridges". Security Service of Ukraine. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  13. ^ "Бой за Донецкий аэропорт. Спартанцы против киборгов". Life.ru (in Russian). 2017-01-21. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  14. ^ "Новый командир батальона "Спарта" сообщил подробности гибели Моторолы". lenta.ru. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  15. ^ "У ДНР потери — Спарта Моторолы бессильна в Докучаевске (видео)". kriminal.tv (in Russian). Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  16. ^ "Подразделение Моторолы перебросили в ЛНР". lenta.ru. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  17. ^ "Глава ДНР сообщил о гибели полковника Владимира Жога". 1news.az (in Russian). 5 March 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  18. ^ "Leader of so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" killed in action near Volnovakha". Ukrayinska Pravda. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
  19. ^ "Путин присвоил звание Героя России посмертно командиру батальону "Спарта" Владимиру Жоге". tass.ru (in Russian). 6 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  20. ^ ""Бойцы батальона "Спарта" фактически причастны к тому, что называется военным преступлением"". www.kommersant.ru (in Russian). 2015-04-09. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  21. ^ a b c "New evidence of summary killings of Ukrainian soldiers must spark urgent investigations". www.amnesty.org. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  22. ^ "War Crimes: Russian citizen Motorola boasts of killing 15 Ukrainian prisoners - Apr. 09, 2015". KyivPost. 2015-04-09. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  23. ^ KyivPost (2015-04-06), Motorola confesses he murdered 15 prisoners. Признание Моторолы в убийстве 15 пленных, retrieved 2019-05-02
  24. ^ a b c Sukhov, Oleg (2015-04-10). "I killed 15 prisoners of war in Ukraine, claims Russian fighter". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  25. ^ "СБУ взялась за Моторолу. Боевику оформлено подозрение в преступлениях против человечности". nv.ua. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  26. ^ "СБУ оформила подозрение Мотороле". Украинская правда (in Russian). Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  27. ^ "Interpol refuses to search for Russian militant suspected of war crimes in Donbas". Human Rights in Ukraine. Retrieved 2019-05-02.
  28. ^ "Интерпол отказался искать Моторолу". korrespondent.net (in Russian). Retrieved 2019-05-02.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sparta_Battalion&oldid=1079718722"