The Rest Is Classified 100. Putin's Secret Army: Fighting With Assad In Syria (Ep 3)
6 snips
Nov 17, 2025 Discover the rise of Evgeny Prigozhin, a former restaurateur turned mastermind behind the Wagner Group, as he forges a path in the geopolitical landscape. The hosts delve into the group's brutal tactics in Syria, its connections with the Russian military, and the murky world of mercenary operations. Learn about the shadowy offensive at Deir Ezzor and how Prigozhin navigated the dangerous waters of power struggles within Russia. The episode unveils the intersection of disinformation and warfare, offering a thrilling glimpse into modern conflict.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Wagner's Identity Was Built Around Utkin
- Dmitry Utkin's neo‑Nazi imagery and call sign 'Wagner' shaped the group's identity and branding.
- Prigozhin leveraged Utkin's violent reputation to create a deniable, state-aligned mercenary force.
Private Warfare As A Kremlin Tool
- Wagner revived an older model of private warfare as a tool for state influence and deniability.
- Prigozhin packaged violence as a business opportunity that complemented Kremlin needs.
Luhansk Fight Built Wagner's Myth
- Wagner's early deployments in Luhansk included small teams claiming outsized battlefield successes.
- They downed a Ukrainian transport in June 2014, killing 49 servicemen and building Wagner's mythology.
