According to data provided by the security service of Ukraine the so called Crimean “self-defense” is lead by Russian private military companies that work under the cover of private security firms. Only during the 11-th of March more than 130 of this type of servicemen arrived to Crimea.

The majority of these companies are registered in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Usually the staff of these companies is formed by reserved officers from the armed forces, law enforcement forces and forces of state security. These officers have real combat experience and many of them participated in special operations.

Their prior aim in Crimea is to organize provocations, lead the local minor criminals (the core of the so called “self-defense”), and to closely cooperate with the Russian Cassacks.