PMC Española is a Russian combat unit which consists of football hooligans. The battalion was created shortly after the start of Russia’s war with Ukraine. The battalion was originally contracted to the Vostok Brigade, now the 114th Independent Guards Yenakievo-Dunai Motorised Rifle Brigade. At the beginning of 2023 it was decided to turn it into a private military company.

**Story**

PMC Española is led by Stanislav “Spaniard” Orlov. In the fan community he is known as a member of CSKA’s oldest fan group, the Red-Blue Warriors. Before that he was a commander of the Donetsk People’s Republic Skull and Bones reconnaissance company in Gorlovka and Debaltseve created back in 2014-2015. Some of the fans joined the Spaniards back then, and now that the conflict has resumed – first in Mariupol at Azovstal and now in Zaporizhzhya region.

**Activity**

In April 2023, the unit was active in the Ugledar direction, with a 10km wide front in its area of responsibility. In addition to the humanitarian and sporting educational component, Española is increasingly focusing on propaganda.

**Losses**

In mid-March, fighter Vladimir Solodovnikov, call sign “Krazy” (28.12.1991 – 15.03.2023), a CSKA veteran and member of the Shady Horses, died.

In October 2022, an experienced Espanyola fighter, Red Blue Warriors veteran Maxim Shmanin, call sign “Platzkart”, was killed by shelling near Donetsk.