Spetsnaz: Russia's Elite Forces – Origins, Evolution, and Global Counterparts The Spetsnaz, Russia’s premier special forces, are renowned for their covert operations, reconnaissance, sabotage, and political warfare. Originating in the Soviet Union’s GRU in 1949, they evolved from early 20th-century shock troops into a multifaceted network under the GRU, FSB, VDV, and KSSO. Deployed in conflicts from Afghanistan to Ukraine, Spetsnaz have executed high-stakes missions like the 2014 Crimea annexation, earning a near-mythical status. Their brutal training, including Systema martial arts, produces versatile operators, but recent losses in Ukraine expose strategic missteps. Compared to Western units like U.S. Delta Force, British SAS, U.S. Rangers, and Chinese PLA SOF, Spetsnaz share roles in counterterrorism and unconventional warfare but stand out for their political integration and deniable operations. This note delves into their origins, development, deployments, and comparativ...