Understanding the modern-day private military company Wagner, in the context of 18th-century Freikorps
The private military company (PMC) Wagner Group, headed by businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been making headlines for its alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Many have described Wagner as a “mercenary” or “penal battalion,” but neither term accurately describes this modern-day PMC. In fact, understanding Wagner as a modern version of the 18th-century Freikorps can provide insight into its drawbacks and possibilities.
The Freikorps were small, mercenary formations recruited from prisoners that demonstrated flexibility and adaptability. Similarly, Wagner has shown surprisingly flexible tactics and adaptable soldiers, despite being partially recruited from prisoners. However, the use of prisoners in both the Freikorps and Wagner is a similarity that raises concerns about the human rights violations that may occur in these forces.
Updates on the War in Ukraine
In recent news regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, attacks by Russian-backed forces have escalated with troops from Wagner capturing an industrial complex in the north of Bakhmut. Kremlin-friendly media outlets reported Ukrainian troops holed up in the Vostokmash building in the Artyomovsk Metal Processing Plant (AZOM) zone.
Russian military bloggers chronicled Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and claimed that Wagner fighters had captured the complex, working to clear the area of Ukrainian forces left there. The Institute for the Study of War confirmed these claims and said the mercenaries were likely to consolidate gains in the north and center of the city, push towards the city center, and expand their zone of control to the west.
Other Russian military bloggers claimed that Wagner fighters had gone closer to Bakhmut’s city center and taken control of the city market, which was backed up by visual evidence. The U.S. think tank reported that Russian forces had made territorial gains of 5% last week and now controlled around two-thirds (65%) of Bakhmut.
German government approves €12 billion fund to provide military assistance to Ukraine until 2032
In a sign of increasing support for Ukraine, the German government has approved a €12 billion fund to provide military assistance until 2032. This aid is intended to help Ukraine deter further aggression from Russia and stabilize the region.
Ukrainian war photographer named regional winner in World Press Photo Contest
Ukrainian war photographer Evgeniy Maloletka has been named a regional winner in the World Press Photo Contest for his image of a pregnant woman being carried on a stretcher following a Russian airstrike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol. This recognition highlights the ongoing human toll of the conflict in Ukraine.
Head of UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency visits Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
The head of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, which is under Russian control and has been shelled by Russian troops. There are concerns that this could lead to a major nuclear accident. Ukrainian forces also shelled Melitopol, a key Russian resupply hub.
Danish Energy Agency announces mystery object near Nord Stream 2 pipeline was an empty maritime smoke buoy
The Danish Energy Agency announced that the mystery object discovered adjacent to Nord Stream 2 pipeline was an empty maritime smoke buoy which “does not pose a safety risk.” This news provides some relief as tensions continue to rise surrounding the controversial pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Russia to Europe.
Kremlin Spokesman says belligerence toward Western countries will not end anytime soon
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that Russia’s belligerence toward Western countries will not end anytime soon. This announcement comes as tensions continue to rise between Russia and the West, particularly in regard to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President invites Chinese President to visit despite China’s alliance with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Ukraine, despite China’s clear alliance with Russia. This invitation highlights Ukraine’s efforts to build relationships with countries outside of the traditional Western sphere.
In conclusion, the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate with Wagner Group gaining control of an industrial complex in Bakhmut. Meanwhile, support for Ukraine is increasing with Germany approving a €12 billion fund, and Ukrainian war photographer Evgeniy Maloletka being named a regional winner in the World Press Photo Contest. The ongoing tensions between Russia and the West also continue, as the head of the IAEA visits the key nuclear power plant under Russian control, and Sweden’s Foreign Ministry summons Russia’s ambassador after he made a threatening statement towards Sweden and Finland.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
