Today, Explained Russia’s mercenary army
Apr 21, 2022
Candace Rondeau, a leading expert on mercenary forces and director at New America, delves into the shadowy world of the Wagner Group. She discusses their brutal tactics in Ukraine and beyond, revealing chilling assassination attempts against Zelensky. Rondeau unpacks the group's complex structure, recruitment strategies, and key figures like Yevgeny Prigozhin, while highlighting their pivotal role in modern warfare. The discussion also addresses the gruesome war crimes committed by the mercenaries and their implications for global conflict dynamics.
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Wagner Group Structure
- The Wagner Group isn't a single entity like Blackwater, but a network of contractors.
- They operate on various contracts for different parts of the Russian government.
Wagner Group Recruitment and Legal Status
- Many Wagner Group members hail from struggling Russian cities, enticed by good pay.
- Despite UK sanctions, there's no legal entity called "The Wagner Group" to sanction.
Origin of the Wagner Group Name
- The group's name originates from Dimitry Utkin's call sign, "Wagner," inspired by the film Apocalypse Now.
- Utkin's fascination with the film's use of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" led to the adoption of the name.