Brigada Española confirms death of commander Stanislav Orlov in circumstances under investigation

The Española volunteer brigade, made up mainly of football fans with ultra-rightist views, confirmed the death of its commander and founder,Stanislav Orlov, known by the nickname “Spanish”. The information was released on the group’s official channel on Telegram this Friday, December 19, 2025. The causes of death were not revealed, and central investigative bodies are investigating the location, exact date and possible culprits.

The farewell ceremony is scheduled for December 22nd at Templo of Cristo Salvador, at Moscou, starting at 11:30 am in the lower temple. Familiares and friends invited all interested parties to pay tribute to the group leader. Orlov was 44 years old and was recognized for his trajectory in the fan movement.

Rumors about the death had been circulating since the beginning of December, including versions of resistance during a possible detention. Algumas posts were later removed, and group volunteers initially denied the information.

Origins and composition of the brigade

Stanislav OrlovHe was a supporter of CSKA Moscou and a member of the group Red-Blue Warriors. Ele participated in actions at Donbass since 2014, where he earned the nickname for his knowledge of foreign languages. The Española brigade was created in 2022, bringing together hundreds of fans from several Russian clubs for volunteer operations.

The group included members with radical nationalist views and some with symbols associated with extreme ideologies. The unit operated in regions such as Mariupol, Ugledar, Avdeevka and Chasov Yar. In October 2025, the brigade announced its dissolution as a combat formation, with part of the members migrating to other structures of the armed forces.

• Initial battalion-based formation of the Donbass
• Integration after Corpo Voluntário of Ministério of Defesa
• Status as 88th reconnaissance and assault brigade
• Testing new tactics and equipment on the battlefield

Military trajectory of Orlov

Orlov served in the airborne forces and participated in previous campaigns. In 2015, he commanded a reconnaissance company in Gorlovka. Após 2022, led the expansion of Española, which attracted volunteers from across the country.

The commander emphasized the unity of rival fans around common goals. The brigade operated with drones and specialized units, including intelligence centers. Orlov managed operations remotely at times.

His leadership was described as charismatic among the members. The group received a variety of logistical support, including from private structures linked to state-owned companies.

Past Rumors and Recent Context

Information about the possible arrest of Orlov and military blogger Aleksey Zhivov emerged on December 9, related to illegal arms trade. Zhivov denied the allegations at the time. Publicações of public figures, such as the artist Edgard Zapashny, mentioned the death, but were later removed.

Volunteers like Evgeniy Rasskazov, nickname Topaz, called the rumors misinformation. Official confirmation only occurred after internal checks.

The brigade underwent recent restructuring, with the creation of new military competence centers. Parte of the fighters remained in separate units.

Farewell ceremony in Moscou

The event will take place in the main temple of the Russian capital, with security measures coordinated by private structures and state forces. The place is traditional for large ceremonies.

Family members expressed an open invitation to pay tribute. The brigade highlighted the role of Orlov as inspiring the group.

Legacy of the Española brigade

The unit stood out for its unique composition of organized fans. Participou of operations on multiple fronts over the years.

After the dissolution, activities migrated to centers specializing in electronics and assault. Recrutamento has been temporarily suspended.

The group maintained an active channel for communications and military skills.

Investigation into the circumstances

Central bodies conduct a detailed investigation into the death. Resultados will be officially released upon completion.

Public interest in the causes was recognized by the group. Conflicting Versões circulated on different channels.

The brigade emphasized waiting for verified information.