Where is Wagner Group Now? Know About Wagner Group Current Situation

May 2024 · 4 minute read

The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization that has been involved in various conflicts around the world, is facing a crisis at home. The leader of the group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has accused the Russian military of bombing his troops in Ukraine and has vowed to take revenge. This has sparked a mutiny within the group and a criminal investigation by the Russian authorities. Here is what we know so far about the Wagner Group and its current situation.

What is the Wagner Group?

The Wagner Group is a private military company that was founded in 2014 by Prigozhin, a businessman who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin has been nicknamed “Putin’s chef” for catering state events with his company Concord.

The Wagner Group is not officially recognized by the Russian government, but it is widely seen as a proxy force that carries out Kremlin’s interests in various regions. The group has been active in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, Venezuela and Mali, among other countries. It has been accused of human rights violations, war crimes and meddling in foreign elections.

The Wagner Group is estimated to have around 50,000 personnel, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts from Russian prisons. The group is led by Prigozhin and several former Russian military officers, such as Dmitry Utkin, Konstantin Pikalov and Andrei Troshev.

What happened in Ukraine?

The Wagner Group has been supporting the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and sparked a war in Donbas. The group has participated in several battles against the Ukrainian forces, such as the shootdown of an Il-76 transport plane in 2014, the Battle of Debaltseve in 2015 and the Battle of Popasna in 2022.

In December 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, breaking a ceasefire agreement and escalating the conflict. The Wagner Group joined the offensive, along with regular Russian troops and other militias. However, according to Prigozhin, his fighters were betrayed by the Russian military, which allegedly bombed them with airstrikes and artillery fire.

On June 24, 2023, Prigozhin announced on his Telegram channel that his troops had taken control of military facilities in two Russian cities: Rostov-on-Don and Novocherkassk. He claimed that he had evidence of the Russian military’s involvement in killing his men and that he would seek justice for them. He also accused Putin of being a puppet of the West and called for his resignation.

The Wagner PMC Group has announced that they have Captured the Southern Military District Headquarters within the the City of Rostov-on-Don in the Rostov Region of Southwestern Russia. pic.twitter.com/730rL9uetq

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 24, 2023

How did Russia react?

Prigozhin’s statement triggered a crisis in Russia, as the authorities denounced his actions as an armed rebellion and treason. The Federal Security Service (FSB) ordered the Wagner Group members to disobey Prigozhin’s orders and detain him. The Prosecutor General’s Office opened a criminal investigation against him for organizing an armed rebellion.

Putin was informed of the situation and promised to take decisive action against Prigozhin and his followers. He also accused them of being foreign agents who were trying to destabilize Russia and undermine its sovereignty. He said that Russia would defend its national interests and territorial integrity at any cost.

The Russian military deployed additional forces to Rostov-on-Don and Novocherkassk to quell the mutiny. Clashes broke out between the loyalist and rebel Wagner Group members, as well as between the Wagner Group and the local police and security forces. Several casualties were reported on both sides.

What are the implications?

The Wagner Group mutiny is a rare challenge to Putin’s authority and a sign of growing discontent within Russia’s security apparatus. It also exposes the risks of using private military companies as proxies for state interests, as they may turn against their sponsors or pursue their own agendas.

The mutiny also complicates the situation in Ukraine, where Russia is facing international pressure and sanctions for its aggression. The Wagner Group’s involvement in the war has been a source of controversy and criticism for Russia, as it violates international law and humanitarian norms. The mutiny may weaken Russia’s position in the negotiations with Ukraine and its Western allies.

The mutiny may also affect the Wagner Group’s operations in other countries, where it may face resistance or retaliation from its enemies or allies. The group’s reputation and credibility may be damaged by its internal conflict and its defiance of the Russian state. The group may also lose some of its funding and support from Prigozhin, who is facing legal troubles and possible arrest.

The Wagner Group mutiny is a major event that has implications for Russia’s domestic politics, foreign policy and security. It is unclear how the mutiny will end and what consequences it will have for the Wagner Group, Prigozhin, Putin and the region. The situation is still developing and more information may emerge in the coming days.

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