The war in Ukraine has been raging for over a year, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced. Russia has made some advances, utilizing the Wagner Group, a mercenary force, to slow down Ukrainian gains. However, the man behind the Wagner Group has recently revealed that Moscow is withholding ammunition from his men. This begs the question: how is the Wagner Group serving Russia’s geopolitical goals?
To answer this question, Inside Story has invited three guests: Peter Eltsov, professor of international security studies; Catrina Doxsee, associate director and fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Niko Vorobyov, an independent journalist.
Peter Eltsov believes that the Wagner Group is being used to supplement Russian forces in Ukraine. He explains that by using mercenaries, Russia can maintain a certain level of deniability in the conflict. This allows them to pursue their geopolitical goals without being held accountable for their actions.
Catrina Doxsee agrees with Eltsov’s assessment, adding that the Wagner Group is also being used to test out new tactics and weapons. By using mercenaries, Russia can experiment with different strategies without risking its own soldiers.
Niko Vorobyov has a different take on the matter. He believes that the Wagner Group is being used to distract and divert attention away from Russia’s real objectives in Ukraine. He explains that by using mercenaries, Russia can focus the world’s attention on the conflict while they pursue their true goals in the background.
The guests’ opinions make it clear that the Wagner Group is being used to further Russia’s geopolitical goals in Ukraine. By using mercenaries, Russia can maintain a certain level of deniability while still achieving their objectives. Additionally, they can use the group to test out new tactics and weapons and to divert attention away from their true objectives. Ultimately, it appears that the Wagner Group is an essential part of Russia’s strategy in Ukraine.