Aug 04 In Niger, the U.S. seeks to hang on to its last, best counterterrorism outpost in West Africa By Ellen Knickmeyer, Sam Mednick, Cara Anna, Associated Press Abandoning Niger risks not only a surge in jihadist groups in West Africa, but even greater influence by Russia's Wagner mercenary group. Continue reading
Aug 03 Poland, Lithuania brace for provocations from Russia and Belarus at border By Vanessa Gera, Associated Press Both nations on NATO’s eastern flank also are on high alert following the arrival of thousands of Russia-linked Wagner group mercenaries just across their borders in Belarus after an aborted mutiny in Russia in June. Continue reading
Jul 27 How the coup in Niger could expand the reach of Islamic extremism, and Wagner, in West Africa By Cara Anna, Associated Press More than 1,000 U.S. service personnel are in Niger to combat the growing threat from various groups of Islamic extremists. Continue reading
Jul 25 Lawmakers say the UK should ban Russia’s Wagner as a terrorist group By Jill Lawless, Associated Press Britain has “underplayed and underestimated” the threat posed by the Russian Wagner mercenary group and should ban it as a terrorist organization, a powerful committee of U.K. lawmakers said Wednesday. Continue reading
Jul 24 Russia hosts Africa summit in bid for allies By Cara Anna, Associated Press A crucial grain deal has been terminated. The Wagner military group's future is in question. It's a notable time for Russia to host a summit for African countries that rely heavily on Moscow for agricultural products and security. Continue reading
Jul 17 Flying Russian flags, more Wagner troops roll into Belarus as part of deal that ended their mutiny By Associated Press A Belarusian activist group that monitors troop movements in Belarus, said a convoy of more than 100 vehicles carrying Russian flags and Wagner insignia entered the country, heading toward a field camp that authorities have offered to the company. Continue reading
Jul 14 Putin reveals he offered Wagner mercenaries the option to stay as a single unit after uprising By Associated Press Russian President Vladimir Putin says he offered mercenaries from the Wagner private military company the chance to keep serving as a single unit under the same commander. The comments come amid new cracks appearing in the Russian military as the… Continue reading
Jul 13 Top Russian general’s dismissal reveals new crack in military leadership By Associated Press The dismissal of Maj. Gen. Ivan Popov reveals new fissures in the Russian military command following an abortive mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner. Continue reading
Jul 12 Russia’s Defense Ministry says Wagner Group mercenaries are surrendering their weapons to the military By Associated Press Wagner's disarming reflects efforts by authorities to defuse the threat the mercenary group posed and also appears to herald an end to its operations on the battlefield in Ukraine. Continue reading
Jul 10 Russia says Wagner leaders pledged loyalty at Kremlin after short-lived mutiny By Associated Press The announcement Monday was the latest twist in a baffling episode that has raised questions about the power and influence held by both men. Continue reading