PMC is a Private Military Company. It is an organization that provides military or security services on a commercial basis. In other words, these are mercenaries who work for money — not as part of an official army, but can participate in combat operations, security of facilities, training of 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 prohibited.
Article 248 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine prohibits mercenarism, i.e., the participation of citizens in combat operations on behalf of another state or for money.
However, there are security firms in Ukraine that have licenses for providing physical security, 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 prohibited 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, the activities of PMCs 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 the International Convention against Mercenaries, but not all countries have ratified it.
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PMCs often operate in the “gray area” — between legality and private interest.
