Ikhtamnet 

Ikhtamnet (Ихтамнет), direct translation “They are not there” is a neologism for a Russian soldier or mercenary group (e.g. Wagner Group) whose deployment abroad is either denied or not officially acknowledged by the Russian government.

The term has gained popularity and has become a common name for Russian military personnel without insignia taking part in conflicts abroad.

Journalist: "Mr. Putin, we know Wagner and Russian soldiers are present in Crimea!!"
Putin: "They are not there."
Journalist: "But when Ukrainian soldiers tried to raise a Dirlewanger Brigade flag in Crimea, their men were shot down! Who would've done that if not for Wagner?!"
Putin: "They are not there."
Journalist: "Stop saying Ikhtamnet!"
Putin: "They are not there."

Ikhtamnet by MickTheGoat December 1, 2022

Ikhtamnet 

Pronunciation: EEKH-TAHM-NEE-EHT
Plural: ikhtamnets; ikhtamnety

Russian troops taking part in a military conflict in another country's territory whose presence is denied by the Russian government.

If evidence is presented that proves that these troops are, in fact, Russian, the Russian government comes up with the lamest excuse possible (usually saying that these troops have left the army years prior, and came into the conflict zone by their own will) in order to try and avoid international outrage and/or sanctions. This, of course, never works, because, to Russia's disappointment, people aren't generally stupid enough to fall for that.

The term gained popularity among the people of post-Soviet countries after Russia's annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas.

The term comes from Russian "Их там нет" (They are not there).

Ukrainian general: Hey, we captured this guy near Donetsk, and he admitted on camera that he is currently serving in the Russian army! His papers also prove it! How do you explain that?!
Putin: What do you mean? That man hasn't been in the army since 2011! Here's a document proving it.
Ukrainian general: You're starting the whole "ikhtamnet" thing again, aren't you?

Ikhtamnet by Roman Shosirobe May 2, 2022

Ichtamnet 

„Ichtamnet/Ихтамнет” is a Russian term for Russian soldiers that are in a country/area where the Russian government denies their presence, for example in Ukraine before the Russian government confirmed their presence. The term literally means „theyarenotthere” (They are not there, Их там нет, written as one word)

Somewhere, where the coins jingle, Ichtamnets are dancing (translated lyrics from a russian song „Leto i arbalety” about PMC Wagner in Ukraine)

Ichtamnet by grzyb11 August 10, 2024