Wagner Group
The Wagner Group is a Russian private military contractor (PMC) that is believed to have close ties to the Russian government. The group is named after its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is often referred to as “Putin’s chef” due to his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Wagner Group has been linked to a number of military operations in various parts of the world, including Syria, Libya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic. The group has been accused of committing human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings, in these countries.
Despite being a private company, the Wagner Group has been accused of acting as a proxy for the Russian government, carrying out operations that advance Russia’s strategic interests. The group has been linked to the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU, and some reports suggest that its members are former Russian military personnel who receive training and support from the Russian government.
The Wagner Group has been sanctioned by the United States and other countries, and its activities have been condemned by human rights organizations. However, the group continues to operate and expand its operations, particularly in Africa, where it has been involved in supporting various governments and rebel groups.
Yevgeny Prigozhin
Yevgeny Prigozhin is a Russian businessman and a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg, Russia. Prigozhin is known for his diverse business interests, including a catering business that provides food services to the Russian military, as well as various restaurants and cafes in Russia. He is also the founder of the Wagner Group, a private military contractor that has been linked to a number of military operations in various parts of the world.
Prigozhin is often referred to as “Putin’s chef” due to his close relationship with the Russian president. In addition to his business interests, Prigozhin has been involved in Russian politics and has been a financial supporter of the ruling United Russia party.
Prigozhin has been sanctioned by the United States and other countries for his alleged involvement in the Wagner Group’s activities and for his role in interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He has also been indicted by the United States for his alleged involvement in a troll farm that spread propaganda and misinformation during the election. Prigozhin has denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed the accusations against him as politically motivated. However, his close ties to the Russian government and his alleged involvement in controversial activities have made him a controversial figure both in Russia and internationally.
