The Aidar Battalion, named after the River Aidar, was a Kiev Loyalist militia formed from volunteers in the Luhansk Region to fight Russian backed separatists. It rapidly grew to about 400 men and women.
The semi official unit utilised a variety of equipment and uniforms suitable for a light infantry militia.
The detachment above is equipped with Russian weapons and a mix of current and obsolete camo-gear.
Seven have assault rifles, the medic also carrying a disposable one-shot RPG 22, and is supported by a sniper, RPG 7 man, and a PK LMG gunner.
Unit Badge
The Adair Battalion became notorious for atrocities and far right politics - not unusual for either side in the Ukraine War. It was deactivated at the end of 2014 and reformed as a regular army unit.
Rear View
Not entirely issue headgear.
Close Up
The ubiquitous RPG7 - one of the most successful modern infantry weapons in the modern world.
Fire Team
Mote the medic bag and RPG 22 (or similar) on the first gunman.
A Range of Camo
A memoir from one of the Aidar fighters is available on Amazon.
Around 130 Aidar fighters/soldiers were killed between 2014-18, not all by the enemy. Drink and modern weapons are a lethal combination.
Great work John, and like all your attention to detail with camo patterns and added interest like the baseball caps
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave, great fun painting these.
DeleteVery cool Modern fighters, John. I must admit I hadn't followed this conflict. That said, I've met a lot of Ukrainians here in Washington State that moved away from their homeland likely due to the unrest there.
ReplyDeleteThe Ukraine is one of those ‘dancing grounds of Mars’. A very unlucky place stuck between east and west. Very nasty events go on there.
DeleteVery nicely done, JL.
ReplyDeleteThanks, mate.
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