British Special Forces and US Navy SEAL veterans accused of training Russian troops to fight in Ukraine, according to published report

Former British SAS soldiers and other Western special forces veterans were allegedly training Russian citizens, including military personnel, at private combat camps in Bulgaria and Serbia, according to a leaked intelligence assessment obtained by The Telegraph.

The report has drawn scrutiny because the alleged preparations allegedly continued after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A leaked intelligence assessment prepared for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and shared with the Five Eyes intelligence network reportedly concluded with “firm confidence” that Western military veterans were recruited to train Russian citizens.

The instructors allegedly included people with experience in the British Special Air Service (SAS), Australian Special Forces and US Navy SEALs, although these claims have not been independently verified and the training company behind the allegations vehemently denies them.

The allegations center on the private military training company Alfa Metal, which operates in northern Bulgaria, as well as camps in Serbia. The report states that Russian citizens were still receiving training at the Bulgarian facility as late as 2025, including in advanced close-quarters combat.

These statements are especially sensitive because the proposed training could potentially benefit Russian personnel involved in the war against Ukraine.

How alleged SAS veterans trained Russians in Bulgaria

The assessment was reportedly based on interviews with two former Australian special forces personnel and a current reservist who said they had been offered instructor positions at training camps in Bulgaria and Serbia.

According to the report, one of the facilities was the Alpha Metal combat training center in Medjdeni in northern Bulgaria. The center advertises specialized courses including special forces training and advanced sniper training, with some programs costing around €4,000 per person.

The facility’s promotional materials also featured the SAS logo, and the company had previously advertised a trainer with SAS experience.

The institution reportedly marketed its courses to potential private military contractors, bodyguards and corporate security personnel. However, the materials do not independently establish that a former SAS officer was working at the site.

A leaked intelligence assessment claims that Russian citizens continued to attend training at the facility after the invasion of Ukraine. People interviewed as part of the intelligence gathering reportedly said current employees told them Russians would still be training there in 2025.

Alfa-Metal denies training Russians

Alfa Metal denied the allegations, telling The Telegraph it never hired former SAS employees or trained Russian citizens after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The company called the allegations false. They also deny any connection to Alfa Region, a private security company based in St. Petersburg that was reportedly promoting a Bulgarian training center.

However, after a link to a partnership agreement with Alfa Region was indicated on the Alfa-Metal website, the company admitted that the organizations previously had “historical professional contacts.” It said it is reviewing archived marketing materials that may contain outdated information.

SAS sources question whether veterans were involved

Former SAS employees also questioned the allegations. Phil Campion, a former 22 SAS staff sergeant, said it would be unethical for British veterans to train soldiers who could eventually fight British forces. He suggested that anyone who knowingly does this must be acting independently or motivated by money.

Another former SAS officer, retired Colonel David White, noted that veterans often move into the private military and security sector after leaving the armed forces. He also warned that SAS membership claims could be difficult to verify.

Why the charges matter for the war in Ukraine

The claims come as Russia continues to rely on large numbers of troops in the war in Ukraine.

Western officials quoted by The Telegraph have estimated that Russian troops have suffered extremely heavy casualties since the full-scale invasion, increasing pressure on Moscow to recruit and train replacement personnel.

If the allegations are true, the use of private European educational institutions could become an alternative route for Russian personnel to receive specialized training outside of Russia.

Former UK military personnel still have legal obligations relating to matters including official secrets, and the National Security Act 2023 creates offenses relating to certain hostile activities involving foreign powers.

Australian intelligence is said to be investigating the claims, with findings potentially shared with Britain and the United States through the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network.

Britain’s Ministry of Defense declined to comment specifically on the allegations, citing its long-standing policy of not discussing British special forces or intelligence matters, although it said Britain has legislation designed to combat hostile foreign activity.

The allegations remain unverified. Alfa Metal denies this and ASIS is reportedly investigating the claims.