SAS veterans including Brits ‘training Russians to fight in Ukraine at Moscow-linked combat camps in Europe’

SAS VETERANS including Brits have allegedly been training Russian fighters at Moscow-linked combat camps in Europe. Western military veterans were recruited to teach Russian citizens – as well as active duty troops – how to fight, according to an intelligence assessment. Alfa-Metal offers training for combat services including advanced sniper courses and special forces training Credit: Alfa-Metal Training Center Alfa-Metal included the SAS logo on its website and the leaked memo claims that at least one of its instructors had served in the elite unit Credit: Alfa-Metal Training Center The memo, obtained by the Telegraph, was compiled for Australia‘s Secret Intelligence Service and shared with Five Eyes agencies. It was based on interviews with former Australian special forces operatives and active duty reservist. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The trio claim they were approached about becoming instructors at combat camps in Bulgaria and Serbia which allegedly hosted Russian clients. One of the camps is run by military training firm Alfa-Metal in northern Bulgaria. The centre boasts special forces and advanced sniper courses costing around €4,000 (£3,400) per person. It targets wannabe private military contractors, bodyguards and corporate security teams. But the intelligence memo claims European training camps have continued taking Russian nationals since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Courses allegedly included brutal “advanced close quarters combat” training. Most read in The Sun Special forces veterans interviewed for the intelligence assessment said current employees told them Russian nationals were still being trained at the camp in 2025. The allegations come as Russia faces a huge manpower crisis on the battlefield. The memo claims European training camps have continued taking Russian nationals since Vladimir Putin’s invasion Credit: Alfa-Metal Training Center The allegations come as Russia faces a huge manpower crisis on the battlefield Credit: Facebook/Mejdeni Western officials estimate Moscow has suffered 1.4 million casualties, including up to 500,000 deaths. Intelligence sources claim Russia is now losing around 6,000 more troops every month than it can recruit. The staggering losses have piled pressure on the Kremlin’s ability to train fresh fighters. The memo suggests the crisis may have pushed Russian troops towards military courses outside the country. Alfa-Metal’s website has also displayed a photograph of the SAS logo on a promotional page for its instructors. And just six months ago, the company advertised on LinkedIn for a UK citizen with a “strong operational background and proven instructional experience”. The ad declared: “We’re currently looking for an experienced SAS instructor to join our team.” It added: “If you’re passionate about training, professionalism, and raising standards, we’d love to hear from you.” The centre’s instructor page also appears to feature an American veteran who claimed to have served for 12 years in the US Army’s Special Operations Command. The man, who The Telegraph is not naming, claimed to be a counter-terrorism expert. He is believed to have completed US Army Ranger training and airborne school, alongside courses in jungle warfare, long-range surveillance and scout swimming. Alfa-Metal has flatly denied the allegations. Just six months ago, the company advertised on LinkedIn for a UK citizen Credit: LinkedIn/Alfa-Metal Training Center Courses allegedly included brutal “advanced close quarters combat” training Credit: Alfa-Metal Training Center The company told The Telegraph it had never employed SAS veterans and had not trained a single Russian citizen since the invasion. A spokesman branded the claims “false” and denied any connection to British special forces. Alfa Region, based in St Petersburg, advertises the Bulgarian training camp on its website. Its site refers to courses for private military contractors and instructors with “extensive experience in special forces and police units in Bulgaria, the United States, Russia, Greece, Israel and Ukraine”. Alfa-Metal initially denied any connection before admitting it had “historical professional contacts” with Alfa Region. The spokesman said the company had launched a review of old marketing material after a page referring to a “partnership agreement” between the firms was brought to its attention. The explosive intelligence memo is now understood to be under investigation by the Australian SIS. A source close to the probe said its findings would likely be shared with Britain and America through the Five Eyes intelligence network. Under British and Australian law, former special forces personnel are prohibited from using their training to assist a foreign state. But the claims have been fiercely challenged by SAS sources. Several veterans disputed the suggestion that former members of the elite regiment were involved. One senior SAS source said they knew of no veterans training Russians to fight. The centre targets wannabe private military contractors, bodyguards and corporate security teams Credit: Alfa-Metal Training Center Alfa-Metal has flatly denied the allegations Credit: Alfa-Metal Training Center They said: “The SAS is a small community, and people talk. If people were doing that, we’d know. If anyone was doing this, I’d be incredibly surprised and deeply disappointed.” They added: “There are about 5,000 SAS veterans, but there are easily 25,000 more people claiming to be part of the regiment because it suits their CVs. There are a lot of liars out there.” Former 22 SAS staff sergeant Phil Campion said: “It would be unethical that our troops could be training soldiers that end up fighting against our lads. They would have to be totally rogue to do that or dollar-motivated.” Retired SAS colonel David White said special forces veterans had long entered the “aftermarket” of military advisory work. But he warned the regiment would have little sympathy for anyone caught helping train Russians. He said: “If I had a pound for everyone who said they were former members of the SAS, I would be a very wealthy man. It’s almost always not true. The fact they claim to be former SAS is likely just that – a claim.” Alfa-Metal spokesman said: “Alfa-Metal categorically rejects the allegation that we have used or are using former members of the British SAS or other Western special forces to train Russian nationals or individuals intending to participate in the war in Ukraine on behalf of Russia. This allegation is false.” An MoD spokesman said: “It is long-standing policy of successive governments not to comment on UK Special Forces or intelligence matters. “We have robust legislation in place to tackle foreign hostile activity, and the National Security Act gives our intelligence agencies and police the tools they need to detect and disrupt threats.” The Telegraph has been unable to independently verify the allegations made in the memo. Comment now