The Pyatnashka is a military unit of the 87th Rifle Regiment of the Russian Ground Forces. Until 1 January 2023, it was part of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). It is attached to the 1st Donetsk Army Corps.[1] It mainly consists of international volunteers. The brigade is led by Akhra Avidzba, an officer of Abkhaz origin.[2]
| "Pyatnashka Brigade" | |
|---|---|
| "Бригада «Пятнашка»" | |
 | |
| Active | 2014–present |
| Country |  Russia |
| Branch |  DPR People's Militia (2015–2022)Russian Armed Forces (2022–present) |
| Size | battalion |
| Part of | 1st Donetsk Army Corps |
| Nickname(s) | The Fifteen |
| Engagements | War in Donbas |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Akhra Avidzba |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
History
War in Donbas
The battalion was formed in the summer of 2014. It was nicknamed "The Fifteen" in reference to the unit's original strength of 15 soldiers. The battalion would take part in the multiple battles of the War in Donbas.[3]
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The battalion fought against the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.[4][dead link] The battalion was heavily involved in the Battle of Avdiivka[5][6] In March 2024, it was reported that the battalion had accepted Chinese volunteers.[7]
Foreign Fighters
The brigade has international volunteers of many different nationalities. The presence of British, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Serbian fighters have been confirmed over different periods of time.[8][9][10][11][12]