Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)
In a new-look Shephard Defence Podcast, the news team discusses the rapidly-evolving situation in Ukraine and latest developments following Russia's unprovoked invasion.
GSOF panel takes note of Russian danger
Russian private military companies and Spetsnaz units continue to pose a danger to European states. (Photo: Alamy)
Speakers at the GSOF Symposium in Warsaw took note of the threat posed by Poland’s eastern neighbour.
A panel discussion titled ‘Applied Innovation in SOF Units’, held during the GSOF Symposium in Warsaw on 26-29 October, drew attention to potential threats facing Europe.
Foremost among these is the Russian stance towards its European neighbours.
Dr Tor Bukkvoll, senior research fellow at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, looked at changes in Russian Spetsnaz operations since 2015 in Syria. He described increased activity by Russian private military companies (PMCs) such as Wagner Group in Russian SOF operations, especially in the Middle East and the Sahel, while there is a ‘fluent’ transfer of personnel between Spetsnaz units and PMCs.
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