88th Reconnaissance and Sabotage Brigade "Española" (Эспаньола)
The "Española" Brigade (also known as the 88th Reconnaissance and Sabotage Brigade "Española" ) is a Russian paramilitary formation that has played a role in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Group Identity and Composition Detail Description Full Name 88th Reconnaissance and Sabotage Brigade "Española" (Эспаньола) Commander Stanislav Orlov (call sign "Spaniard" or "Испанец"), a former CSKA Moscow football fan. Composition Primarily recruited from far-right Russian football (soccer) hooligans (ultras) of various major clubs, including CSKA, Spartak, Zenit, and others. It recruits specialized personnel (snipers, drone operators, saboteurs). Ideology The brigade is a far-right/neo-Nazi group. The name "88th Brigade" is an explicit reference to the neo-Nazi numerical code "88" (for "Heil Hitler"). Members are known to use other neo-Nazi codes, such as "14/88." Affiliation Founded in Spring 2022 . It in...