The Oplot Brigade (lit.Stronghold Brigade) also known as the 5th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (Russian: 5-я отдельная мотострелковая бригада, 5 омсбр; Military Unit Number 08805); is a military unit of Russian Ground Forces. Until January 1, 2023, it was part of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR). It is attached to the 51st Guards Combined Arms Army.
| 5th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade | |
|---|---|
| 5-я отдельная мотострелковая бригада | |
.svg) Unit patch | |
| Active | 2014–present |
| Country |  Russia (2022–present)Previously:  Donetsk People's Republic (2014–2022) |
| Branch |  Russian Ground Forces (2022–present) DPR People's Militia (2014–2022) |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of |  51st Combined Arms Army |
| Engagements | |
| Insignia | |
| Alternative sleeve patch |  |
| Flag (held by soldiers of the Brigade) |  |
History
editWar in Donbas
editThe Oplot Brigade was formed in 2014 as the Oplot Battalion. It was later expanded into a Brigade in September 2014.[1] It was led by Alexander Zakharchenko until his death in 2018.[2]
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
editThe brigade took part in the battle of Izium where they allegedly abused civilians during the occupation of the city.[3] In January 2023, it became part of the Russian army under the 1st Donetsk Army Corps, which was later reformed into the 51st Combined Arms Army.[4][5] The brigade was involved in the battle of Krasnohorivka.[6]
The commander of the brigade, Russian major general Pavel Klimenko, was killed in Ukraine on 6 November 2024 by a kamikaze drone.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ Shcherbachenko, Volodymyr V.; Yanova, Hanna (2017). War without Rules: Gender-Based Violence in the Context of the Armed Conflict in Eastern Ukraine (PDF). NGO Eastern-Ukrainian Centre for Civic Initiatives. ISBN 978-966-929-583-5.
- ^ "Separatists tighten grip on east Ukraine, EU agrees more sanctions on Moscow". Reuters. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
- ^ Hopkins, Nick; Wilson, Jamie; Harding, Luke (July 18, 2023). "Militia units commanded by Russia named in Izium abuse investigation" – via The Guardian.
- ^ "Батальон "Оплот" | Война и санкции". sanctions.nazk.gov.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 2023-07-09.
- ^ Consolidated text: Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine
- ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Ольга Ившина (2024-11-07). "Восьмой российский генерал погиб в Украине. Его обвиняли в создании пыточного лагеря" [The eighth Russian general has been killed in Ukraine. He was accused of setting up a torture camp]. BBC (in Russian). BBC News Русская служба. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ^ Parfitt, Tom (2024-11-08). "Russian 'torture camp general' killed in Ukraine drone strike". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2024-11-08.