Prizrak Brigade
The Prizrak Brigade (in Russian Бригада «Призрак») meaning "Ghost Brigade" commanded by Aleksey Mozgovoy, is an infantry unit of the Lugansk People's Republic. The full name of the Brigade is Mechanized Brigade Prizrak.
| Prizrak Brigade | |
|---|---|
| Бригада «Призрак» meaning "Ghost Brigade" | |
 Service sleeve insignia of the Prizrak Battalion | |
| Active | Since April 2014 |
| Allegiance |  Novorossiya
|
| Type | Separatist group |
| Role | Motorized brigade |
| Size | About 3,000 troops[1] |
| Part of | United Armed Forces of Novorossiya |
| Garrison/HQ | Luhansk |
| Nickname(s) | Ghost Brigade |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Yuri Shevchenko |
| Deputy commander | Aleksey Markov |
| Notable commanders | Aleksey Mozgovoy |
History
The unit was established in late 2014 after anti-Maidan protesters occupied the RSA buildings in Luhansk. It began as a platoon sized unit, but in August 2014 it became a battalion as the number of fighters grew to 1,000.[2] The commander of the Brigade Aleksey Mozgovoy claimed in late December 2014 to have up to 3,000 fighters.[1] Mozgovoi was killed in an IED and gun attack 23 May 2015 along with a number of his bodyguards[3] although survived a similar ambush 2 months prior to his death. A supposed covert Ukrainian military unit named "shadows" claimed both attacks however the two incidents appear to be their only active engagements throughout the conflict which fueled a number of theories including Russian involvement.
The stated goal of Prizrak is to be both a military combat unit as well as socialist political organization which would make them the only military unit operating within the structures of the Luhansk People's Republic and the Donbass People's Republic that have a dual objective. Membership of Prizrak comprises primarily of east Ukrainians and Russian nationals however due to their political ethos the unit does draw in a number of western nationals from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the United States, Brazil, and the UK. Primary military activities include battlefield reconnaissance, sabotage, covert assault and other intelligence activities. Political activities include promotion of socialist policy, electoral promotion activities and social care projects primarily in Luhansk.
In 2015 it ceased its military independence and became integrated into IV Territorial Battalion of Defense of the United Armed Forces of Novorossiya.[4]
In October 2020 Aleksey Markov, political and military leader of the group after the assassination of Aleksey Mozgovoy, died.[5]
Notable military operations
In the Battle of Debaltseve Prizrak units conducted reconnaissance missions which included landmine clearance for main assault forces corrective artillery information and anti armour activities.
References
- Luhn, Alec (22 December 2014). "The People's Court of Eastern Ukraine". Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2018 – via www.thenation.com.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-10-10. Retrieved 2015-02-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "The last days of Aleksey Mozgovoi, rebel hero of the 'Ghost' battalion - killed in an ambush". independent.co.uk. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- "Бригада "Призрак" Алексея Мозгового вошла в состав "Народной милиции" "ЛНР"". Ostrovok News. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
- "Statement of the Central Committee of the CP of the DPR in connection with the tragic death of Alexey Markov". wpered.su. 25 October 2020.