This week I spoke to Alec Bertina, a non-traditional security actor researcher, specialising on Russia security affairs. In this episode, we discussed the wild and confusing network of Russian private military contractors, the people behind them and their mission. From ex-special forces to far right to oil and gas companies, there are many actors at play here. Alec does a fantastic job of breaking down the key groups and their motivations.

You can find Alec on:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Substack

We spoke about

• Alec’s background (1:15)
• Wagner PMC’s background and role in Ukraine (3:51)
• Wagner’s intelligence operation (7:33)
• Who is Prigozhin? (10:34)
• Power struggles in the Russian military establishment (12:35)
• Rusich Group (16:05)
• Patriot PMC and its purpose (19:04)
• Patriot’s high salaries and potential use of ex-KSSO operators (24:05)
• Redut (27:24)
• Gazprom’s PMCs (31:59)
• How Russian PMCs dispose of their staff (36:15)
• The use of PMC in case of Russian collapse (40:03)
• Advise to those that want to study this topic (41:38)
• Is there any legitimacy to these PMCs? (46:16)
• Russia reading recommendations (49:46)
• Cultural recommendations (51:49)

Related Links:

• Wagner PMC Activity in the Central African Republic: A Geospatial Analysis
• Sahel Security 2023: Russia Forecast
• Insecurity in the Central African Republic: A 6-Month Outlook
• Sahel Security Week, French Exodus & Wagner COIN Efforts with Menastream
• Wagner PMC, Spy Balloons & Spearfishing with Marcel Plichta

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