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Karelian Group

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Karelian National Battalion
Карельський національний батальйон (Ukrainian)
Karjalan Kansallini Pataljona (Karelian)
Battalion insignia
Active19 January 2023 - present
Country Ukraine
TypeForeign volunteer battalion
RoleLight infantry
Information Warfare[1]
Activism
SizeUnknown
Part ofInternational Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine
Nickname(s)Ukki Väinämöinen
Engagements
WebsiteOfficial Telegram channel
Commanders
Current
commander		Unknown
Notable
commanders		Dmitry Kuznetsov (January 2023[8] - August 2023)[citation needed]

The Karelian National Battalion (Ukrainian: Карельський національний батальйон, romanized: Karelskyi natsionalnyi batalion; Karelian: Karjalan Kansallini Pataljona) is a formation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, functioning as a component of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine.[9] The battalion is a voluntary military unit that consists mainly of ethnic Karelians and other Baltic-Finnic peoples.[9][10] Its primary objective is to achieve the independence of the Republic of Karelia from Russia.[11]

History

Formation

On 27 February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an announcement declaring the establishment of an international fighting force to assist in defending the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion.[12]

On 19 January 2023, most likely in reaction to the need for international volunteers,[12] the Karelian National Battalion was established by representatives associated with the Karelian National Movement - a nationalist movement advocating for Karelian independence since 2012, prior to the Revolution of Dignity, and Euromaidan.[13] The announcement of the unit specified that it would be incorporated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces and operate within the framework of the International Legion.[9] The stated purpose of the battalion, according to the several Karelian political activists involved in the establishment of the unit, was to engage in combat against the Russians in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, they expressed the long-term goal of achieving the complete liberation and independence for the region of Karelia which they refer to as "occupied Karelia" - commonly known as the "Republic of Karelia".[9] The Karelian National Battalion also strives to promote the independence of other Finno-Ugric peoples from Russia.[14]

Recruitment of volunteers

According to Ukrainian Moloda, the unit began recruiting in late January 2023. It was mentioned that there were several requirements for volunteers to join the unit, these consisted of good health, no problems with substances or alcohol, a devotion to traditional "Nordic values", and a desire to achieve Karelian independence from the Russian Federation, as well as a desire to contribute to the victory over the so-called "terrorist regime" of Russian President Vladimir Putin.[11]

Insignia and Nickname

First variant of the battatlion's insignia.

The battalion bears the name "Ukki Väinämöinen", also known as Vaseli Levonen, which is shown on one of the unofficial battalion's insignia. Ukki Väinämöinen was a Karelian ideological leader known for his role in the East Karelian uprising against Bolshevik Russia in the years 1921–1922.[15]

Official Insignia

The initial emblem adopted by the unit was on January 19, 2023, and was uploaded to their Telegram channel - it featured a circular chevron with a Viking ship in the middle. On the boat's banner was a Wolfsangel that was very much similar in appearance to the wolfsangel utilised in the variation of the Azov Brigade's insignia,[16] and the rest of the patch featured other Nordic patterns and insignias. This was accompanied by the inscription "Karjala," meaning Karelia, at the top of the patch.

In October 2023, as part of a rebranding effort, the unit changed its insignia again. The current insignia drew inspiration from the Academic Karelia Society, displaying an arm with armour plating and a shield. The wolfsangel, inscription, and the colours of the insignia were retained. The insignia preserves the "Karjala" inscription, the Karelian color scheme, and the Wolfsangel.[17]

Unofficial Insignia

The emblem was displayed in the distinctive colors of Karelia.[17] Following the announcement of the unit, several variations of the insignia started appearing on Ukrainian media outlets. This included Promote Ukraine. This rendition featured a simplified design, retaining the Karelian colours but omitting the Viking ship and other Nordic patterns and insignia. The inscription "Karjala" was retained, and a Cyrillic abbreviation of the battalion was added at the bottom, along with the unit's nickname: "Vaseli Levonen.". There was also an unofficial variant of the insignia that was displayed in a roundel, with the name of the battalion in Finnish at the top, and the name in Russian on the bottom.[15]

Visual Insignias

  • First official variant of the battalion's insignia, first seen in January 2023.
    First official variant of the battalion's insignia, first seen in January 2023.
  • Second official, and current, variant of the battalion's insignia, first seen in October 2023.
    Second official, and current, variant of the battalion's insignia, first seen in October 2023.
  • First unofficial variant of the battalion's insignia, first seen across news reports from January 2023 and beyond.
    First unofficial variant of the battalion's insignia, first seen across news reports from January 2023 and beyond.
  • Second unofficial variant of the battalion's insignia depicted as a roundel, similarly, seen across news reports on the unit.
    Second unofficial variant of the battalion's insignia depicted as a roundel, similarly, seen across news reports on the unit.

Activities and Operations

A sticker reading: A new day has dawned. Karelia is rising, her own battalions are marching in line.

According to Russian media The Moscow Times, the Karelian National Battalion predominantly operates in exile within neighbouring Finland, this was triggered as a result of members from of the Karelian National Movement fleeing Russia after the full-scale Russian invasion - it can be presumed that the members in exile formed the unit in Finland. Some members occasionally head back home to Karelia, which often causes clashes with the local Russian Federal Security Service agents, who regularly arrest and charge these members for alleged "ethnic nationalism" and "inciting treason.".[18]

After the severing of ties with the Karelian National Movement, the battalion begun involving itself in political affairs in Karelia itself - expanding beyond the horizon of just a military unit; but rather a political force too. The battalion has obtained support from several ethnic groups such as the Komi people, many of whom hold high ranking positions within the group.[18]

Reportedly, by Ukraina Moloda, the battalion noted that during the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland, Ukrainian units defended the territory of Karelia on the side of the Armed Forces of Finland while being commanded by the former Holnodyarsk chieftain, lieutenant colonel of the Ukrainian People's Army, Yuriy Gorlis-Gorsky.[19]

The Ukrainian magazine Focus claimed that an unidentified Russian source suggested the idea that Finland could potentially resemble a "second Ukraine". This association is drawn in connection with the presence of various Finnish groups and the increasing influence of independence and nationalist movements, such as the Karelian National Movement and the Karelian National Battalion, operating within and outside of Finland.[20][21]

It had been observed by Iltalehti, a Finnish tabloid, that engaging in Karelian activism and nationalism may carry severe legal consequences for those involved. These include a ten-year prison sentence for merely deingrating the Russian Armed Forces, and allegedly extended periods of imprisonment. In addition to this, expressions of support for Ukraine and the involvement in activities perceived as hindering "Russia's actions" may escalate resulting in a sentence of up to 20 years.[14]

In a report featured by Iltalehti, a sticker associated with the Karelian National Battalion was presented as a means of disseminating information about the unit itself.[14] The same sticker was also showcased on an Estonian website called "Koiduaeg," calling itself a "national news and opinions portal.".[22] According to the source, the sticker read "A new day has dawned. Karelia is rising, her own battalions are marching in line".[2] Moreover, the sticker also featured the insignia of the Russian Volunteer Corps,[14][2] a paramilitary unit consisting of Russian citizens and has been deemed as a far-right organisation[23][24] - suggesting a shift in alignment to the Russian Volunteer Corps after the severing of ties with the Karelian National Movement. The sticker also has a link to the official Telegram page of the Karelian National Battalion page.

Affiliations

Affiliation with the Karelian National Movement

The Karelian National Movement reportedly played a crucial role in raising funds for the battalion. There were also several claims of an attempt to secure support from Denys Prokopenko, the current commander of the Azov Assault Brigade, an infamous Ukrainian paramilitary unit that has commonly been subjected to allegations of neo-Nazism.[13][25] Prokopenko, having returned to Ukraine after being captured by Russian troops during the Siege of Mariupol, is noted that his grandfather had Karelian roots and defected to the Finns.[13] The unit has also been photographed somewhere in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast holding up an older variation of a flag belonging to the Azov Battalion.[26][27]

Affiliation with the Russian Volunteer Corps

The battalion is most likely incorporated within the structure of the Russian Volunteer Corps, similar to the Polish and German Volunteer Corps which have emerged alongside it in its operations and also helped to actively train and promote their units.[28] The unit has made publications, showing its affiliation with the Russian Volunteer Corps through media such as stickers and brochures.[22]

On 9 November 2023, the Russian Volunteer Corps was involved in the assassination of a Federal Security Service Lieutenant Colonel in Bryansk Oblast.[4] The Karelian National Battalion posted on Telegram in late January 2024 stating that they had also been involved in the assassination.[citation needed]

On 18 January 2024, the Russian Volunteer Corps conducted a raid within Bryansk Oblast, located in Russia. The unit destroyed a Russian Ural military truck carrying personnel, the news was confirmed by a non-verified source in the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence Service.[29][30] It was alleged by the battalion itself on Telegram that volunteers of the unit also participated in the raid.[citation needed]

Russo-Ukrainian war

Karelian fighters holding a flag of the Azov Battalion.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Recruitment of the unit begun in early January 2023, with a criterion for volunteers being outlined by the unit on their Telegram channel.[11] A photo of the unit published on their Telegram channel indicates that the unit were present in Ukraine by 24 February 2023. The official number of volunteers in Ukraine or elsewhere in neighbouring Finland, next to Karelia, is unknown.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, activism in Karelia and Ingria has gained increased prominence - particularly directed towards freeing Karelia from what is perceived as Russian imperialism to them.[14] The nature of these actions has exposed activists to potential risks and challenges, such as imprisonment and prosecution. In a notable photograph, activists affiliated with the Karelian National Movement are depicted wearing combat gear and holding Kalashnikov rifles while proudly displaying the flag of Karelia.[14] The Ingrian Finnish flag is also often seen in the hands of activists.[14]

A photograph belonging to the unit was present in an article by Koiduaeg, featuring the Karelian flag alongside military equipment - including a plate carrier, a traditional Ukrainian cap, and military boots. The caption acknowledge the tactical discretion exercised by the volunteers of the unit, stating "Due to tactical reasons, the volunteers of Karelia cannot express the full extent of their contribution in Ukraine.".[2]

Combat Operations

The Karelian National Battalion has engaged in multiple combat operations, the Karelian National Battalion has performed incursions into Kursk Oblast and Belgorod Oblast alongside the Russian Volunteer Corps.[31]

See also

References

  1. ^ Lundelin, Katriina (2 December 2023). "Osa Active Club -kamppailukerhojen jäsenistä valmistautuu itsenäisyyspäivänä väkivaltaisuuksiin". Seura.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Karjala iseseisvuslased: Me ei soovi asendada Moskva diktaati Brüsseliga. II osa". Koiduaeg (in Estonian). 9 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Russian Volunteer Corps joins Ukraine in Avdiivka direction offensives". Militarnyi (in Latin). 31 October 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  4. ^ a b Struck, Julia (10 November 2023). "Kyiv Confirms Assassination of FSB Lieutenant Colonel, RDK Fighters Promise to Release Video". Kyiv Post. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Claimed areas of control at T'otkine, Kursk region, and Lozova Rudka, Bilhorod region,". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Map of the territories of the Seversky Territory and Belgorod liberated by the coalition forces". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Ukraine-backed anti-Kremlin fighters say they are still operating inside Russia". Reuters. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Dmitry Kuznetsov. Karelian separatist from Spain". newins.ru. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d "У складі Збройних сил України створено окремий Карельський національний батальйон". Promote Ukraine - голос України в ЄС (in Ukrainian). 31 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  10. ^ suurlintu@gmail.com (10 September 2023). "Karjalan Kansallinen Pataljoona – Карельский Национальный Батальон - Suur Suomensotilaat" (in Russian). Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  11. ^ a b c ЧЕРКАСЕЦЬ, Олена (21 January 2023). "Карельський національний батальйон у складі ЗСУ створили активісти". Останні та актуальні новини України та світу, новини дня онлайн (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  12. ^ a b McKernan, Bethan (27 February 2022). "Ukraine appeals for foreign volunteers to join fight against Russia". the Guardian. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  13. ^ a b c "Dmitry Kuznetsov. Karelian separatist from Spain". The news informer. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Kastehelmi, Emil (26 December 2023). "Suur-Suomen sotilaat voivat joutua suuriin ongelmiin Venäjällä". Iltalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  15. ^ a b Correspondence, ABN (29 December 2023). "Karelian nationalists created a battalion as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine". Anti-imperial Block of Nations. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Ukrainian supporters rally behind embattled Azov regiment". France 24. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  17. ^ a b Kastehelmi, Emil (26 December 2023). "Venäjällä haluja itsenäistää Karjala – Tästä on kyse". Iltalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  18. ^ a b Latypova, Leyla (15 January 2024). "Northern Flight: The Teenage Komi-Karelian Activist Who Escaped the FSB". The Moscow Times. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  19. ^ ЧЕРКАСЕЦЬ, Олена (21 January 2023). "Карельський національний батальйон у складі ЗСУ створили активісти". Останні та актуальні новини України та світу, новини дня онлайн (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  20. ^ Флоранський, Олександр (27 December 2023). "друга Україна": у РФ окреслили цілі розширення війни,". ФОКУС (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  21. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 26, 2023". Critical Threats. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  22. ^ a b "Rahvusliku tuleviku teejuht". Koiduaeg (in Estonian). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  23. ^ Dixon, Robyn; Ebel, Francesca; Ilyushina, Mary (2 March 2023). "Kremlin accuses Ukraine of violent attack in western Russia". Washington Post. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  24. ^ ""Русский добровольческий корпус", "Легион" и ССО "Азов". Как россияне воюют против Кремля на стороне Украины". vot-tak.tv. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  25. ^ "Profile: Who are Ukraine's far-right Azov regiment?". Al Jazeera. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  26. ^ Ball, Tom (30 May 2022). "Azov Battalion drops neo-Nazi symbol exploited by Russian propagandists". The Times & The Sunday Times. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  27. ^ "'Don't confuse patriotism and Nazism': Ukraine's Azov forces face scrutiny". Financial Times. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  28. ^ "History and Weapons Analysis: Polish and German Neo-Nazi Militias Emerge Alongside Russian Volunteer Corps". Militant Wire. 19 July 2023.
  29. ^ Ragutska, Lilia (19 January 2024). "Fighters of the Russian Volunteer Corps set up an ambush on the transport of Russian military in the Bryansk region, resulting in casualties among the enemy forces. Photo". Obozrevatel. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  30. ^ "Soldiers of the Russian Volunteer Corps entered the territory of the Bryansk region". Militarnyi (in Latin). 19 January 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  31. ^ "Ukraine-backed anti-Kremlin fighters say they are still operating inside Russia". Reuters. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.

Further reading

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