German Volunteer Corps

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German Volunteer Corps
Німецький Добровольчий Корпус
Nimetsʹkyy Dobrovolʹchyy Korpus

Deutsches Freiwilligen Korps
Unit chevron
Active2023[1] – present
Country Ukraine
TypeForeign volunteer unit
RoleLight infantry
SizeUnknown
Engagements
WebsiteOfficial Telegram channel
Commanders
Current
commander
Unknown
Insignia
Flag

The German Volunteer Corps (Ukrainian: Німецький Добровольчий Корпус, romanizedNimetsʹkyy Dobrovolʹchyy Korpus German: Deutsches Freiwilligen Korps) is a volunteer unit composed of German national volunteers, part of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine.[citation needed]

The unit has coordinated with various other Ukrainian military units under the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, such as the Russian Volunteer Corps, the Free Russia Legion, and the Polish Volunteer Corps in Ukraine.[1]

History[edit]

Formation[edit]

The German Volunteer Corps origins can be traced back to February 2023, with the launch of their Telegram channel; publicising the creation and initiative of the unit. However, Militant Wire reported that the German Volunteer Corps was most probably formed in June 2023. The unit is reportedly trained, organised, and promoted by the Russian Volunteer Corps.[1] The unit was formed by German nationals and external help. [1] It is likely that some ex-soldiers, some of them formerly trained in the Bundeswehr - have joined the unit as part of the International Legion.[3]

Relations and allies[edit]

The German Volunteer Corps, according to Junge Welt, allegedly have connections and ties or otherwise similar ideological perspectives and viewpoints to the Third Way political party.[2] This political party, also commonly referred to as the Third Parth, is known to be a far-right and neo-Nazi political party having ties with the National Corps, the Misanthropic Division, Right Sector, and Svoboda in Ukraine.[4] [5]

Russo-Ukrainian War[edit]

2022 Russian Invasion[edit]

While the unit has not publicised any material or content, or otherwise stated any involvement in certain operations - it has been reported by Junge Welt that the German Volunteer Corps had coordinated and participated in the Belgorod Incursions of 2023 in Russia and along other areas in Ukraine.[2]

The unit regularly trains, as publications on social media demonstrate volunteers performing basic fire and move tactics, and training with small arms weapons.[6] According to Junge Welt, a supposed representative of the German Volunteer Corps mentioned that the unit fights in cooperation with the Russian Volunteer Corps.[2]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "History and Weapons Analysis: Polish and German Neo-Nazi Militias Emerge Alongside Russian Volunteer Corps". Militant Wire. July 19, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "BRAUNE KRIEGERTRUPPEN An der alten Ostfront". jungewelt. July 12, 2023.
  3. ^ "German volunteers fighting in Ukraine, including 61 potential extremists – Interior Ministry". Ukrinform. 2023-07-30. Retrieved 2024-04-07.
  4. ^ "German neo-Nazis march with Ukrainian nationalists in UPA march". Euromaidan Press. October 15, 2018.
  5. ^ "Kommunalwahlen 2019: NPD, rechte Tarnlisten und Einzelbewerber". SACHSEN-ANHALT RECHTSAUSSEN. May 23, 2019.
  6. ^ "First recruiting video for the German Volunteer Corps (NS) in Ukraine". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2024-04-07.

External links[edit]