[struwwelpeter]

Who are they?

From the tennis shoes and beer bottle, I'd rule out spetsnaz. Probably a local militia or police reserves.

[GarySpFc]

In my opinion the men in the picture are not Spetsnaz.

I have mentioned many times on this list that I was formerly in the Special Forces, and while that was over 30 years ago most tactics do not change. Additionally, the Spetsnaz have the Bumblebee which I am not familiar with, but understand the principle. IT IS VERY OBVIOUS TO ME WHY THEY HAD IT ON THE SCENE.
You might recall many years ago an embassy in London was seized by terrorists, and the SAS regained control. The SAS threw stun grenades into the building a couple of seconds prior to assaulting the building. In any operation of this sort it is necessary to distract the terrorists for just a few seconds and also create a state of confusion.
It is also necessary to provide those assaulting the building cover, and in my opinion the Bumblebee laying down a smokescreen PERFECTLY fills that need. It would NOT be used unless the commander on the scene gave the order. They might also have a tank or armored vehicle on the scene, but that does not mean it was to be used. I honestly think way too much is being made of this.

[jb6]

Or maybe dads, grandads, brothers and uncles who decided they were going to 'help' in what ever manner they could. A large portion of the population is relatively well armed, and from the rumbling coming from the kremlin, a much large percentage might soon be very well armed.