Silent Tide

At the behest of our new client, the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU), Praetorian will deploy to the island of Yulakia, situated approximately 40km west of the Republic of Georgia in the Black Sea. Our orders are to conduct clandestine insurgency and preparatory operations ahead of a conventional invasion by the Russian Armed Forces.

// Political Situation    

The Russian Federation currently occupies roughly 21% of internationally recognized Georgian territory; accordingly, political relations between the two states are strictly hostile. In response to recent Russian military operations abroad, most notably the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO has expanded its mission scope to include regions traditionally outside its original mandate. Consequently, the Republic of Georgia and NATO have entered negotiations regarding a permanent NATO presence on Yulakia to serve as a deterrent against further Russian expansion. These talks were immediately condemned by President Vladimir Putin, who views any NATO presence beyond its established borders as an act of war.    

// Operational Objectives    

Praetorian's primary objective is to soften the island's defenses in preparation for a Russian military incursion. Yulakia is heavily fortified, garrisoned by Georgian military units and civilian volunteers, many of whom are veteran foreign fighters from the conflict in Ukraine.    While Western relations are currently strained, Georgia previously maintained strong ties with NATO, providing the Republic with a significant inventory of modernized Western equipment. Intelligence indicates the presence of surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, mobile surface-to-surface launchers, and a small contingent of rotary, fixed-wing, and UAV aerial assets.    

// Intelligence    

To maintain maximum operational security, the GRU will provide intelligence updates only as they become relevant. All data transmissions will be conducted via encrypted microwave signals from a state-controlled intelligence satellite currently in geosynchronous orbit over the Black Sea.    

// Deployment    

Deployment commences on 24 March 2026. Specific insertion details will be transmitted within the next 24 hours. Operators are strictly instructed to bring no outside equipment; all hardware will be provided in-theater to ensure plausible deniability.