News - The mysterious death of pro-Russian leader Stanislav Orlov sparks controversy.

The Death of Stanislav Orlov: Questions Abound Over Pro-Russian Brigade Leader's Fate On December 19, the pro-Russian volunteer brigade 'Espanola,' previously active in the Ukraine conflict, announced the death of its leader, Stanislav Orlov, who was also known as 'Spaniard.' His sudden passing has left numerous questions unanswered and cast a shadow of intrigue over his past activities. Brigade members and supporters are deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding Orlov's death, with an ongoing investigation to determine the cause, location, and those responsible. An official statement will be provided upon the conclusion of these inquiries. Divergent Narratives on Orlov's Demise Initial reports were conflicting: Tsargrad Channel suggested Orlov, aged 44, faced detention on arms trafficking charges, while RTVI indicated his possible death during an arrest attempt. An online post by Edgard Zapashny, which was later removed, added further speculation, complicating the situation. Eyewitnesses from Sevastopol and security footage imply Orlov met a violent end at his country home, with four vehicles and masked, armed men involved. "Neighbors heard multiple gunshots," according to ASTRA, an outlet also confirming that Orlov did not return fire. Emergency services arrived late, retrieving his body and launching an investigation. Analyzing Possible Motives Insider testimonies, including from ex-members of Espanola, suggest his death may be linked to suspected illegal arms transactions and connections to organized crime. This incident highlights increasing concerns regarding criminal activities within pro-war factions. Orlov's Historical Ties and Espanola's End A fan of CSKA Moscow, Orlov was deeply involved in football circles and the Red-Blue Warriors group. His involvement in the prolonged Donbas conflict dates back to 2014. Formed in 2022 with a significant fan base, Espanola dissolved in October, leaving behind complex legacies and unfinished stories. Authorities remain silent on the specifics of Orlov's demise, adding to the suspense over an incident that stands as a significant occurrence among pro-conflict entities in recent times.