Russia is transferring the ‘Medvedi’ private military company from Africa to the Kursk region – media reports

Russia is transferring the private military company (PMC) “Medvedi,” also known as the 81st Separate Special Purpose Brigade “Medvedi,” to the Kursk region. This unit had been fighting in Burkina Faso on the side of the junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré since the spring.

This information was reported by the French newspaper Le Monde.

In May, around a hundred mercenaries from the company were sent to the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, where their task was to ensure the security of key figures, including Traoré.

The publication states, “The official reason for their departure just three months after their arrival is to participate in Russia’s defense efforts against the Ukrainian army’s offensive, which began on August 6 in the Kursk region.”

Viktor Yermolaev, the commander of PMC “Medvedi,” with whom the newspaper spoke on August 22, confirmed the redeployment of the mercenaries to Russia. The PMC stated that “in connection with recent events, the brigade is returning to Crimea,” where its base is located.

According to Le Monde, this military company is connected to the Russian Ministry of Defense, although the company itself denies this.

Earlier, media reports indicated that the Kursk region is being defended by conscripts and that Moscow is transferring a small number of troops from various fronts in Ukraine to the region, while simultaneously increasing efforts near Pokrovsk.