Russian President Vladimir Putin(left),Yevgeny Yevgeny Prigozhin@YONHAPNEWS
[Seoul-Newsimpct=Jong-guk Park] Wagner Group, a renowned Russian mercenary company, has been widely regarded as Vladimir Putin's right-hand organization. Since its establishment, it has conducted operations in conflict zones on behalf of the Russian regular army, amassing significant wealth and reputation under Putin's protection.
However, recent conflicts with the Russian military leadership have put Wagner Group at risk, resulting in a rebellion that turned its guns towards Moscow after falling out of favor with Putin. Although the rebellion was swiftly quelled within a day through emergency mediation by the Belarusian president, the reasons behind Wagner Group's fall from grace with Putin remain shrouded in mystery. In this article, we will delve into the origins of Wagner Group and the sequence of recent events that unfolded.
Wagner Group emerged in the 2010s as a private military company (PMC), rising rapidly in prominence. PMC organizations are known for undertaking various clandestine tasks, ranging from security details to covert assassinations, which regular armies are unable to perform, as long as there is financial compensation. The industry itself has thrived, with over 50 PMC organizations founded by military veterans from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Russia.
Due to the secretive nature of private military companies, the precise scale of the industry remains undisclosed. However, reports indicate that its market value surged to an estimated $400 billion (420 trillion won) as of 2020, with the market continuing to expand as the number of conflict zones increases. Although the number of personnel working for private military companies is believed to be around 100,000, the exact figure remains undisclosed.
Wagner Group, representing Russia, was co-founded by Russian entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, a former commander of the Russian special forces unit, Spetsnaz. The name "Wagner" in Wagner Group is said to be derived from Richard Wagner, a composer favored by Adolf Hitler, and it served as the callsign of co-founder Dmitry Utkin. The irony lies in the fact that the name of a composer associated with Hitler's regime is connected to a group known for its involvement in assassination and other illicit activities.
The exact founding and early activities of Wagner Group remain shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts. Some sources suggest it was established in 2012, while others claim it was founded in 2013. Wagner Group first gained public attention during Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Following Crimea's declaration of independence from Ukraine and its vote to merge with Russia, receiving over 90% approval in a referendum, Russian forces deployed armed personnel to seize key facilities in Crimea from February 27, 2014. It was during this operation that Wagner Group mercenaries reportedly played a significant role.
Wagner Group traces its roots back to Saint Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city. Initially operating as a private security company, it later transitioned into a military contracting firm and experienced rapid growth after establishing connections with Putin.
Wagner Group garnered international attention for providing military support to separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, allegedly under Putin's orders. Subsequently, it expanded its operational areas to other conflict zones such as Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. These operations raised international concerns about the group's objectives, legal status, and its relationship with the Russian government.
The relationship between Putin and Wagner Group has been compared to that of a master and his hunting dog. By employing private contractors instead of regular armed forces, the Russian government can evade direct responsibility for their actions while simultaneously achieving military objectives.
Wagner Group has been plagued by numerous controversies, including human rights abuses, illegal activities, and a tendency to evade accountability. Reports have emerged, linking Wagner Group directly or indirectly to conflicts resulting in civilian casualties, exposing their unethical behavior to scrutiny.
By Jong-guk Park, Newsimpact senior reporter
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