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The paramilitary group, which recruits more than 80% of its members from prisons, aims to set up pro-Kremlin zones around the world.
These are a few thousand men capable of changing the course of a conflict. Founded on May 1, 2014, the paramilitary group Wagner is made up of violent mercenaries. More than 80% of its members are convicts, recruited directly from prisons. At the head of the militia, Evguéni Prigojine is a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin. But for months, the head of the Kremlin denied being behind these mercenaries.
A decisive role in Africa
Wagner’s official mission is to ensure the defense of Russia’s external interests. But the reality is very different. Their real goal is to install pro-Kremlin zones all over the world. Mercenaries have played a decisive role in several countries at war, such as Syria or Libya. Since 2018, they have also reportedly trained and recruited Central African soldiers, a way for Russia to extend its influence in Africa. Wagner also took part in the conquest of strategic cities in Ukraine, notably in Bakhmout.