Who is Wagner group?

Who is Wagner group?

It is believed that a considerable number of mercenaries, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, are currently engaged in combat on behalf of Russia in Ukraine, primarily associated with the Wagner Group.

These mercenaries have recently played a significant role in the arduous and costly battle for the city of Bakhmut against Ukrainian forces.

While the Wagner Group portrays itself as a “private military company,” there are indications that the Russian government is now pursuing measures to exert control over its operations.

What is Wagner Group and who is fighting for it?

The emergence of the Wagner Group, officially known as PMC Wagner, can be traced back to 2014 when it first came to light for its support of pro-Russian separatist factions in eastern Ukraine.

During its early years, the group operated discreetly, primarily conducting operations in Africa and the Middle East.

It was estimated to have approximately 5,000 fighters, predominantly comprised of seasoned veterans from Russia’s elite regiments and special forces.

However, since its inception, the Wagner Group has undergone significant expansion.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, by January, it had likely amassed a force of around 50,000 fighters in Ukraine, making it a crucial component of Russia’s campaign in the region.

The Ministry of Defence further indicated that the organization began recruiting on a larger scale in 2022 due to challenges faced by the regular Russian army in finding new personnel.

Interestingly, as per the US National Security Council, about 80% of the Wagner Group’s troops in Ukraine have been sourced from prisons, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Despite the illegality of mercenary forces within Russia, the Wagner Group officially registered as a company in 2022 and established a new headquarters in St. Petersburg.

Dr. Samuel Ramani, a scholar at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, notes that the group now openly recruits in Russian cities, advertises on billboards, and is portrayed in Russian media as a patriotic organization.

What is the Wagner Group doing in Ukraine?

The Wagner Group played a significant and prominent role in the capture of the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine by Russian forces.

According to reports from Ukrainian troops, fighters belonging to the Wagner Group were deployed in large numbers and engaged in aggressive attacks across exposed terrain, resulting in substantial casualties among their ranks.

Initially, the Ukrainian defense ministry did not explicitly acknowledge the involvement of the Wagner Group in the conflict.

However, it later lauded the efforts of the group’s mercenaries, praising their bravery and selflessness in the battle for Bakhmut.

How was the Wagner Group started? Who is Wagner group? 

During a BBC investigation into the Wagner Group, attention was drawn to the alleged involvement of Dmitri Utkin, a former officer in the Russian army.

Utkin, a veteran of the Chechen conflicts, is believed to have been the initial field commander of the Wagner Group and is said to have named the organization after his former radio call sign.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a wealthy businessman known as “Putin’s chef” due to his catering services for the Kremlin, is currently the head of the Wagner Group.

According to Professor Tracey German, an expert in conflict and security at King’s College London, the Wagner Group’s first significant operation was in assisting Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Leading up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is suspected that Wagner was involved in executing “false flag” attacks. These actions were likely aimed at providing the Kremlin with a pretext for their subsequent military intervention.

How has Wagner clashed with Russia’s military commanders?

In recent months, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, has made repeated accusations against Russia’s defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, and Valery Gerasimov, the head of the Ukrainian army.

Prigozhin has accused them of incompetence and intentionally withholding adequate supplies from Wagner units engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry has now made an announcement stating that “volunteer formations” in Ukraine are required to sign contracts with them by the end of June.

Although the Wagner Group was not explicitly mentioned in the announcement, it is widely interpreted as a government effort to exert greater control over the group.

In response to the announcement, Mr. Prigozhin issued a strong statement expressing anger and declaring that his forces would boycott the contracts imposed by the government.

This response highlights the tension and resistance between the Wagner Group and the Russian authorities regarding the attempt to tighten control over the organization.

Where else is the Wagner Group operating?

Since 2015, mercenaries belonging to the Wagner Group have been involved in various conflicts and operations worldwide. In Syria, they have fought alongside pro-government forces and have been tasked with guarding oilfields.

Similarly, in Libya, they have supported the forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar.

Additionally, the Wagner Group has been invited by the Central African Republic (CAR) to provide security for diamond mines, and there are indications that they are also involved in guarding gold mines in Sudan.

Furthermore, the government of Mali in West Africa has employed the services of the Wagner Group in their efforts against Islamic militant groups.

It is believed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, profits from these operations.

The United States Treasury Department has accused Prigozhin of utilizing the Wagner Group’s presence to enrich mining companies that he owns, leading to the imposition of sanctions on these entities.

Wagner Group soldier from Ivory Coast fighting in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/PfrMY20D1Y

— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 21, 2023

What crimes is the Wagner Group alleged to have committed?

In January, a former commander of the Wagner Group sought asylum in Norway after deserting from the mercenary organization.

He alleges witnessing war crimes being committed in Ukraine.

Ukrainian prosecutors have accused three Wagner Group mercenaries, alongside regular Russian troops, of killing and torturing civilians near Kyiv in April 2022.

Additionally, German intelligence suggests that Wagner mercenaries may have been involved in the massacre of civilians in Bucha in March 2022.

The United Nations and the French government have made accusations against Wagner Group members, stating that they have committed acts of rape and robbery against civilians in the Central African Republic.

Furthermore, in 2020, the United States military accused Wagner mercenaries of planting landmines and other improvised explosive devices in and around the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

These incidents highlight the serious allegations and concerns surrounding the actions of Wagner Group mercenaries in various conflict zones.