PMC is a Private Military Company. It is an organization that provides military or security services on a commercial basis. In other words, they are mercenaries who work for money — not as part of an official army, but may participate in combat operations, securing facilities, training troops, etc.
The legal status of PMCs in Ukraine and the world varies, and here is how it looks:
- In Ukraine Private military companies are officially banned.
Article 248 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine prohibits mercenarism, i.e., the participation of citizens in combat operations for the benefit of another state or for money.
However, there are security firms in Ukraine that have licenses for physical security services, but they are not allowed to use heavy weapons or act as armed formations.
In the world, the situation is different: Where it is allowed (partially regulated):
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USA — PMCs operate officially (for example, Blackwater, now Academi), but are subject to strict regulation.
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United Kingdom, Israel, France — there are PMCs that operate within the law, primarily as security or consulting companies.
Where it is banned or restricted:
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Russia — formally PMCs are illegal, but de facto the state uses them (the most famous example is the PMC "Wagner").
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Germany, Italy — mercenarism is prohibited, PMC activities are restricted or banned.
International law:
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The Geneva Conventions prohibit the use of mercenaries in wars.
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The UN developed an International Convention against Mercenaries, but not all countries have ratified it.
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PMCs often operate in a “gray area” — between legality and private interest.