The Russian Imperial Movement in the Ukraine Wars: 2014-2023

The Russian Imperial Movement has taken advantage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to further its revanchist goals of conquering the Donbas and 'Novorossiya' while expanding its international footprint both politically and militarily. The Russian Imperial Movement gained useful combat experience through the participation of personnel from its paramilitary arm, the Russian Imperial Legion, in the invasion. With the Wagner Group's resources waning, there may be an opportunity for RIM/RIL to deepen its involvement in Russia's efforts in Ukraine. This could bolster the group's recruitment, paramilitary capabilities, and thus increase the broader threat it poses. However, the organization may face sanctions in the future from the Russian state if the Kremlin continues to clamp down on Russian pro-war ultra-nationalist elements.

The outbreak of post-Maidan (a) hostilities in 2014 saw Ukraine become a hotspot for ideological militias on both sides of the conflict, and Russia's February 2022 invasion brought this to [...]