Espanola (battalion)

Espanola, Espaniola (Spanish: Española) is a Russian military formation created from radical fans of football clubs, including CSKA, Spartak, Torpedo, Zenit, Lokomotiv, Orel and other teams. The detachment commander is a representative of the Red-Blue Warriors group Stanislav Orlov, call sign “Испанец” (Spaniard).

At the beginning of its existence, the formation existed under the Vostok battalion of the self-proclaimed DPR. Currently, the battalion is controlled by the PMC "Redut".

Some of the members of the battalion espouse right wing to far right views.

History
Initially, the battalion was formed as a volunteer unit, and then was integrated into the armed forces of the DPR. According to The Times, created by Stanislav Orlov and Alexander Khodakovsky. The unit took part in the fighting during the assault on Azovstal, as well as on the Kherson and Zaporozhye fronts. In the spring of 2023, Espaniola announced that it had become a private military company.

The banner of General Yakov Baklanov, who participated in the Caucasian War, is used as one of the symbols.

Members
The battalion consists of football fans of Russian clubs Zenit, Lokomotiv, Orel, Spartak, Torpedo, CSKA and other teams. According to Hispaniola commander Stanislav Orlov, the battalion initially numbered 500 people, including 100 kamikaze drone operators. The unit is equipped by football fans from all over Russia. According to Orlov, the state and businessmen do not provide financial support to the unit.

According to media reports, Espaniola is recruiting fighters with certain combat and technical skills: reconnaissance saboteurs, snipers, drone operators, electronic warfare, air defense, anti-tank guided missiles, signalmen, driver mechanics, doctors. The battalion has its own training ground for military recruits, where they are also taught how to clear mines, pilot drones and operate missile defense systems.

Famous members
On August 7, 2023, former player of the Russian national team, CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Andrei Solomatin announced his entry into the Hispaniola battalion. He also said that he received the call sign "Soloma" and is located near Bakhmut.

In June 2024, American expat influencer “Teddy Boy Greg” joined the unit.