Gazprom signs contract to create firing groups to protect gas facilities from drone attacks

Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom has signed a contract with the country’s Defence Ministry to create mobile firing groups, Ekho radio station reported on Monday, citing internal documents from the company.

The squads will be tasked with “patrolling and protecting gas supply facilities”.

Those who want to participate will have to undergo a medical examination, screening, and two-month training. However, the documents indicate they will not be signing a traditional military contract but one that allows them to combine civilian employment with military service.

Participants are promised a standard salary, additional payouts from the Defence Ministry, and monthly payments from their employer of 200,000 rubles (€2,300) for joining the groups. They will also reportedly be provided with food, uniforms, medical care, and insurance.

The documents indicate that the reservists will be charged with protecting infrastructure only in the region where they signed the contract and will not be considered military servicemembers.

Contracts to join the groups will reportedly last three years, after which they can be extended.

In 2023, Gazprom was reported to be affiliated with two private military companies involved in the war in Ukraine, Potok and Fakel. According to the Financial Times, recruitment for their groups began before Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s “partial mobilization” in late 2022. BBC also reported at the time that Russian pro-war bloggers had written about not two but three mercenary groups associated with the energy company.

Ukraine’s armed forces have carried out at least 194 strikes on Russian oil refineries, including Gazprom facilities, since the start of 2026.