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| Image Credit: Google |
The Wagner head
threatens to withdraw from Ukraine if Russia does not fulfil its demand of
supplying arms at Bakhmut. He said in a video he put on social media.
Introducing Wagner
Group of Mercenary Fighters
Wagner is a network
of organizations responsible for provision of mercenary services with the
consent of Kremlin. It is headed by Yevgeniy Prigozhin who has publicly announced
in September last year in a press release at Russian Social media site VK. According
to him, the group is formed to assist Russian forces in Crimea that was annexed
by Moscow in 2014 and it also helps the rebels in eastern region of Ukraine. According
to him, a group of patriots formed this group on 1st of May, 2014
that was later named as “Wagner”.
About:
- According to Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, its a private group.
- Its operational activities and administration are intertwined with Russian intelligence and military. (CSIS)
- It has operated in almost 30 countries across the world. (CSIS)
- US has declared Wagner “A significant transnational criminal organization.
Alleged Operations
of Wagner in Ukraine:
- In 2014, the group had helped Russian back militias to get control over Ukraine’s Donbas region. (CSIS)
- The group was also part of Russian annexation of Crimea. (CSIS)
- According to US, around 50,000 fighters of Wagner was deployed in Ukraine last year.
- The group has played major role in acquiring the control of Bakhmut city located in eastern Ukraine.
- North Korea is also accused of sending arms to Wagner for its activities in Ukraine.
Wagner’s Operations
in other regions:
The Wagner has
operated reportedly in Syria, Libya, Mali, CAR, Madagascar, Mozambique as well
as in Venezuela. (CSIS).
- In Syria: it provided security to Syrian and Russian forces.
- In Libya: the group have been fighting on the side Libyan commander in its
battle to ouster UN backed government.
- In Mali: Wagner have provided the security to Presidential palace.
- In Central African
Republic: it is helping the embattled
government and in response the group has got license of mining gold and
diamonds.
(Courtesy: Washington Post/ CSIS)
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