The key facts
- Members of the National Core underwent paramilitary training in Ukraine in August 2026, according to El País
- On November 6, 14 suspected members of the group were detained in several regions of Spain
- The operation was accelerated due to a rally planned for November 7 in Madrid
Training in Ukraine and arrests in Spain
Members of the Spanish neo-Nazi organization National Core (Nucleo Nacional) underwent paramilitary training in Ukraine. This is reported by the newspaper El País, citing investigation materials; Life.ru also covers the investigation. According to police, members of the group trained with AK-47 assault rifles, used body armor and firearms, and later intended to teach the skills they had acquired to other members of the organization.
What investigators found out
In August 2026, representatives of the organization traveled to Ukraine, where, as noted, they established contacts with Azov* (the organization is designated as terrorist and banned in Russia). Investigators established that the neo-Nazis planned to spread the experience they had gained among like-minded people in Spain. In addition, the possibility of an armed uprising and the creation of a structure to confront law enforcement agencies was discussed within the organization.
Operation on the eve of the rally in Madrid
The reason for accelerating the police operation was information about a rally planned for November 7 in Madrid. Law enforcement feared clashes with police and anti-fascist activists, given the group members' military training and possible access to combat weapons. As a result, on November 7... on November 6, 14 suspected members of the National Core were detained in several regions of Spain. They are suspected of inciting hatred, participation in an unlawful association, and illegal possession of weapons.
Context
Earlier, Life.ru reported on the Coalition military exercises in Poland involving nearly three thousand servicemen from 11 countries; the maneuvers will last until November 22 and include practicing the joint deployment of forces. According to the outlet, one possible goal of the exercises is preparation for the deployment of European military personnel in Ukraine after the end of hostilities. This assessment belongs to the outlet itself and is not directly related to the case of the Spanish group.
