How British SAS are Secretly Fighting Russia

Overview

The video argues that British special forces and intelligence personnel played a more substantial role in supporting Ukraine than the UK has publicly acknowledged. It draws on reported deployments, leaked documents, official remarks, and Russian allegations. Some claims—particularly those involving combat missions or direct participation in attacks—remain unconfirmed or disputed.

Before the Full-Scale Invasion

The video says a small SAS team, supported by the 18th UKSF Signal Regiment, operated in eastern Ukraine from 2021 to monitor ceasefire violations and Russian activity. It credits their observations and intercepted communications with helping British officials anticipate an invasion and send NLAW anti-tank weapons to Ukraine. A RAF Rivet Joint surveillance flight is also described as collecting Russian communications.

Following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, the UK expanded its focus on countering Russian covert and hybrid operations. Operation Orbital officially trained Ukrainian forces; the video suggests it also provided access and support networks for British special operators. Orbital was suspended shortly before the 2022 invasion.

After the Invasion Began

The video reports that Royal Marines from 45 Commando evacuated British Embassy staff from Kyiv in January 2022 and later returned to protect British personnel. It also recounts claims that SAS members were seen near Kyiv advising Ukrainian forces, including on locating Russian artillery. Russian claims of British casualties and attacks are described as unsupported or part of an information campaign.

Training and Support

Operation Interflex moved Ukrainian training to the UK and, according to the video, trained more than 18,000 troops. British personnel are also said to have trained Ukrainian units, including the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade, Azov, and Kraken. The video links this preparation to Ukraine’s early resistance while acknowledging the role of Ukrainian forces themselves.

Alleged Maritime and Covert Activity

The video describes British SBS training for Ukrainian maritime special operations and sabotage missions, while noting that Ukraine denied British personnel took part in a raid near Crimea. Russia also blamed British specialists for a 2022 drone attack on its Black Sea Fleet; the video presents that allegation as unproven.

Leaks and Public Statements

A leaked 2023 Pentagon document reportedly listed 50 UK special-forces personnel in Ukraine—more than any other country in the document—but did not specify their tasks.

In 2024, Russia released an intercepted German military call discussing British personnel and Storm Shadow targeting support. The video treats the recording as evidence of a potentially close role, while noting that its release and interpretation are part of the account. Later that year, MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore publicly referred to British covert action in support of Ukraine without confirming specific SAS operations.

Unresolved Questions

The video discusses the death of a British soldier in 2025, officially described as a training accident while he was observing Ukrainian testing. It questions whether the limited details reflect operational secrecy.

The video concludes that UK involvement evolved from intelligence gathering and training into sustained support, while the exact extent of direct operations remains unclear.

Presenter: Chris Campy, the video’s narrator.