Wagner PMCs deeply embedded in the Ukrainian conflict
The infamous Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) has been making headlines once again in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Russian-backed PMC has been gaining ground in the city of Bakhmut (formerly Artyomovsk), located in eastern Ukraine. Reports from both military bloggers and a U.S. think tank have indicated that Wagner and other Russian forces control over 65% of the city, with no signs of slowing down.
Warnings about the danger and flexibility of Wagner
Experts have expressed grave concerns about the danger and adaptability of Wagner, which they say is not accurately represented by earlier terms like “mercenaries” or “penal battalions.” Instead, they argue that Wagner could be more accurately described as a modernized version of 18th-century Freikorps, small and mercenary formations that proved successful due to their flexibility and adaptability.
Potential political aspirations of Wagner’s leader
The head of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has raised eyebrows with his possible political aspirations. Prigozhin has copied some media techniques of Russian President Vladimir Putin and gave an interview to Russian state journalists before sarcastically stating his interest in running for the presidency of Ukraine. Experts suggest that his trajectory might mimic Prince Lubomirski’s, who used his power to gain proprietorship status.
Ukraine urges China’s support as Russia continues belligerence
As Russia continues its aggression towards Western countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited China’s President Xi Jinping to visit Ukraine. This move was seen as a snub towards Russia, as Ukraine seeks support from other nations. Additionally, Germany recently approved a €12 billion fund for military support for Ukraine until 2032, bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
War photographer receives recognition for powerful image of Russian airstrike
As the conflict rages on, a Ukrainian war photographer was named a regional winner in the World Press Photo Contest for his powerful image of a pregnant woman being carried on a stretcher following a Russian airstrike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol. This devastating image serves as a haunting reminder of the human toll of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Danish discovery near Nord Stream 2 pipeline raises safety concerns
Denmark recently discovered an object near the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was feared to be a safety risk. However, it was later determined to be an empty maritime smoke buoy, alleviating some of the safety concerns surrounding the controversial pipeline.
While Russia’s belligerence towards Western countries shows no signs of stopping, concerns over Wagner PMC’s adaptability and gains in Ukraine only add to the growing tensions between Russia and its neighbors. As Ukraine seeks support from other nations and German funds are approved for military support, it remains to be seen what impact these efforts will have on the ongoing conflict.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
