Wagner’s mercenary leader is playing a dangerous game

Welcome to Whale Hunting, a weekly newsletter delving into the hidden worlds of wealth and power. This week contributor Elle Hardy digs into the enigmatic and unexpectedly influential Wagner militia that goes to the heart of the merciless Putin regime's quest for global power.

By Elle Hardy

Last week, Russia’s notorious Wagner mercenary force claimed victory in the months-long battle for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

Wagner is proving increasingly critical to Russia’s war efforts as the invasion has entered its second year with no end in sight. Above all, the group has allowed Putin — who until recently would only call it a “special military operation” rather than a war — to avoid fully mobilising the country and risking a backlash at home.

Attack on Bakhmut, in the Russian advance towards Siversk by State Emergency Service of Ukraine (Creative Commons)

Great background on Wagner here:

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group, says its forces have started withdrawing from Bakhmut. We've looked at his life - and his role in Ukraine. 7 mins on Putin, Prigozhin and the Wagner group. Produced by Mary Fuller, Floyd Cush, Michael Cox. https://t.co/6UoWWZotrU pic.twitter.com/0yU36AFcBJ
— Ros Atkins (@BBCRosAtkins) May 25, 2023

What has Wagner been up to?

Wagner’s involvement in Ukraine has brought renewed scrutiny on its horrific record. Soldiers have admitted to killing civilians and torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war, while in Africa it specialises in propping up brutal dictators in return for extracting minerals.