SAS Veterans Training Russians to Fight in Ukraine: Leaked Memo

Former SAS personnel were allegedly among Western military veterans recruited to train Russian nationals and active-duty personnel at combat camps in Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine, according to a leaked intelligence assessment obtained by The Telegraph.

The memo, prepared for Five Eyes intelligence agencies, assessed the claim with “strong confidence” and drew on interviews with two former Australian special forces operatives and an active-duty reservist.

Training Camps in Europe

The Australians said they were approached about becoming instructors at facilities in Bulgaria and Serbia that allegedly hosted Russian clients.

One site identified in the memo is an Alfa-Metal combat training center in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria.

The assessment says its instructors came from backgrounds including the SAS, the Australian Commando Regiment, U.S. police forces and the U.S. Navy SEALs.

The center advertises special forces and advanced sniper courses costing about €4,000 per person, aimed at prospective private military contractors, bodyguards and corporate security personnel.

According to the memo, private training camps in Europe continued accepting Russian citizens after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including for “advanced close quarters combat.”

The former Australian personnel said current employees told them Russian nationals were still receiving training in 2025.

SAS Recruitment Claims

Alfa-Metal’s website includes an image of the SAS logo on a page promoting its instructors.

The company also posted a LinkedIn advertisement six months ago seeking “a U.K. citizen” with “a strong operational background and proven instructional experience.”

“We’re currently looking for an experienced SAS instructor to join our team,” the advertisement said.

The memo also points to an American veteran listed as an instructor who claimed 12 years of service with U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Russian Manpower Pressure

The allegations come as Russia faces heavy losses in Ukraine.

Western officials cited in the report put Russian casualties at 1.4 million, including as many as 500,000 fatalities. Intelligence sources said Moscow was losing about 6,000 more troops each month than it could recruit.

The assessment suggests those pressures may have encouraged Russian personnel to seek military training abroad to acquire additional combat skills or supplement domestic instruction.

Alfa-Metal Rejects Allegations

Alfa-Metal appears to have links to Alfa Region, a private security company based in St Petersburg that advertises the Bulgarian camp on its website.

Alfa-Metal denied employing SAS veterans or training Russian citizens since the invasion.

“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,” a spokesman said.

The company also denied a formal relationship with Alfa Region. After The Telegraph highlighted archived material referring to a “partnership agreement”, Alfa-Metal acknowledged “historical professional contacts” and said it was reviewing outdated marketing content.

Claims Under Investigation

The Telegraph understands the memo is now under investigation by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, with findings potentially shared with the U.K. and U.S. through Five Eyes.

The newspaper said it had been unable to independently verify the memo’s claims.

Several SAS sources also challenged the allegations. A senior source said the regiment’s veteran community was small and warned that many people falsely claim SAS service.

“The SAS is a small community, and people talk,” the source said.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense declined to comment on special forces or intelligence matters, citing longstanding policy, and said existing legislation gives intelligence agencies and police powers to tackle hostile foreign activity.