British SAS and US Navy SEAL Veterans Accused of Training Russian Forces to Fight in Ukraine in Leaked Report

Former British SAS personnel and other Western special forces veterans are alleged to have trained Russian citizens, including serving military personnel, at private combat camps in Bulgaria and Serbia, according to a leaked intelligence assessment obtained by The Telegraph.

The report has prompted scrutiny because the alleged training is said to have continued after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The leaked intelligence assessment, prepared for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and shared within the Five Eyes intelligence network, reportedly concluded with 'strong confidence' that Western military veterans had been recruited to train Russian nationals.

The instructors allegedly included people with backgrounds in the British Special Air Service (SAS), Australian special forces and the US Navy SEALs, though the claims have not been independently verified and the training company at the centre of the allegations strongly denies them.

The allegations centre on Alfa-Metal, a private military training company operating in northern Bulgaria, as well as camps in Serbia. The report says Russian nationals were still being trained at the Bulgarian facility as recently as 2025, including in advanced close-quarters combat.

The claims are particularly sensitive because the alleged training could potentially benefit Russian personnel involved in the war against Ukraine.

How Alleged SAS Veterans Ended up Training Russians in Bulgaria

The assessment was reportedly based on interviews with two former Australian special forces personnel and a serving reservist who said they had been approached about becoming instructors at training camps in Bulgaria and Serbia.

According to the report, one of the facilities was an Alfa-Metal combat-training centre in Mejdeni, northern Bulgaria. The centre advertises specialist courses including special forces training and advanced sniper instruction, with some programmes costing about €4,000 per person.

The facility's promotional material has also featured the SAS insignia, while the company previously advertised for an instructor with SAS experience.

The facility reportedly marketed its courses towards prospective private military contractors, bodyguards and corporate security personnel. However, the material does not independently establish that a former SAS member worked at the facility.

The leaked intelligence assessment alleges that Russian nationals continued attending training at the facility after the invasion of Ukraine. People interviewed during the intelligence-gathering process reportedly said they were told by current employees that Russians were still being trained there in 2025.

Alfa-Metal Denies Training Russians

Alfa-Metal has rejected the allegations, telling The Telegraph that it has never employed former SAS personnel and has not trained Russian citizens since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The company described the allegations as false. It also denied having a connection with Alfa Region, a private security company based in St Petersburg that has reportedly promoted the Bulgarian training facility.

However, after it was pointed out to an Alfa-Metal webpage referring to a partnership agreement with Alfa Region, the company acknowledged that the organisations had previously had 'historical professional contacts'. It said it was reviewing archived marketing material that could contain outdated information.

SAS Sources Question Whether Veterans Were Involved

Former SAS personnel have also questioned the allegation. Phil Campion, a former staff sergeant with 22 SAS, said it would be unethical for British veterans to train soldiers who could eventually fight British forces. He suggested anyone knowingly doing so would have to be acting independently or be motivated by money.

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

Why the Allegations Matter to the Ukraine War

The claims have emerged as Russia continues to rely on large numbers of troops for its war in Ukraine.

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

If the allegations are substantiated, the use of private European training facilities could provide an alternative route for Russian personnel to receive specialist instruction outside Russia.

Former UK service personnel remain subject to legal obligations relating to matters including official secrets, while the National Security Act 2023 provides offences relating to specified hostile activity involving foreign powers.

The Australian intelligence service is reportedly investigating the claims, with findings potentially shared with Britain and the United States through the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network.

The UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment specifically on the allegations, citing its longstanding policy of not discussing UK Special Forces or intelligence matters, though it said Britain has legislation designed to tackle hostile foreign activity.

The allegations remain unverified. Alfa-Metal denies them, and ASIS is reportedly investigating the claims.