Free Republic

Stanislav Orlov, the founder of the Russian reconnaissance and sabotage brigade “Espanola”, has been killed in Russia, Militarnyi reported on December 19, citing Russian war correspondents and statements from the unit itself. According to information published by pro-Russian military bloggers, Orlov, known by the callsign “Spaniard,” died from gunshot wounds sustained during his detention. He was reportedly accused of illegally misappropriating 1.5 billion rubles (approximately $18.5 million). The pro-Kremlin outlet Mash claimed that Orlov had been in a coma for several days prior to his death, though the exact cause of the coma was not disclosed. Orlov arrived in the...

...As we talked, guards came for Budik and took him up to the main courtyard. A van had arrived, serving as an impromptu hearse, carrying the body of a rebel fighter who had died in combat. The Demon and the other fighters crowded round the open doors of the van to glance at the open coffin and pay their respects. Budik was also emotional. “I knew him well, since he was eight years old,” he said. “My wife and I would bring in homeless kids or orphans and try to give them a decent upbringing. I taught him boxing, tried...