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In Belarus and Africa, Moscow is said to be trying to recruit former Wagner mercenaries. According to Ukrainian sources, the Russian state has established its own mercenary force. This will report directly to the Ministry of Defense and will be led by “General Armageddon” Sergei Surovikin (56), the former head of the Russian Air Force. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on this.
After the coup attempt by Yevgeny Prigozhin (†62) at the end of June, Surovikin disappeared from the public eye. But photos were published on Friday showing him in Algeria. According to reports in the Russian newspaper Kommersant, Surovikin represents the Russian Ministry of Defense and is conducting discussions there, possibly in connection with directing activities in Africa.
Although Surovikin publicly condemned the Wagner Uprising in June, he was considered one of Prigozhin’s most important allies in the Russian military. Surovikin was ousted as head of Russia’s aerospace force in mid-August.
Because of his ties to Wagner and his leadership experience, the American think tank Institute for the Study of War speculates that Surovikin may be involved in Russian attempts to take over Wagner operations. However, it remains unclear whether the Russian Defense Ministry plans to give Surovikin direct command of this effort.
But Surovikin does not appear to be the only one trying to gain control over the activities of former Wagner forces in the Middle East and Africa. According to the Wall Street Journal, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Junus-bek Yevkurov (60) recently met with the commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar (79). It concerned access for Russian warships to the ports of Benghazi and Tobruk.
The Ukrainian government suspects competition for mercenaries between the Belarusian Guard, founded in 2019, and the new Russian unit. Belarus wants to use former Wagner soldiers against protests, while Russia has offered to integrate these mercenaries into the regular armed forces. (gs)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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