HISTORICAL FACTS: 18 - Caught on Camera

Why Russia lionises inmates fighting in Ukraine

The Kremlin has lauded mercenaries with the powerful private Wagner Group, of which thousands are ex-prisoners.

Al Jazeera · Feb 10, 2023

Russian troops advance in Ukraine but ditch 30 armoured vehicles as they suffer heavy casualties, says UK

Russian troops have gained territory in Ukraine but are suffering heavy losses including abandoning at least 30 armoured vehicles after a failed assault, British defence chiefs said on Friday.

Evening Standard · Feb 10, 2023

Wagner Group in Africa: Russia's presence on the continent increasingly relies on mercenaries

Mercenaries have been a fixture in Africa since the second half of the 20th century. They have been used to protect incumbent leaders or install new ones in conflict zones.

The Conversation · Feb 9, 2023

Mali says no need to justify Russia as partner as Lavrov visits

Mali's foreign minister said on Tuesday it had no need to justify working with Russia on strengthening its military capabilities and importing oil and wheat, despite Western concerns.

Reuters · Feb 7, 2023

U.N. mission still committed to Mali despite human rights chief expulsion

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali on Monday said it remained committed to its mandate despite the expulsion of the head of its human rights division over the weekend.

Reuters · Feb 6, 2023

From bus driver to Russian soldier: The journey of an imprisoned Ivorian recruited by Wagner Group

A video posted in early January 2023 showed the leader of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner with a mercenary who was described as Ivorian. By analysing posts shared on social networks and talking to people who knew him at different times in his life, the FRANCE 24 Observers team managed…

France 24 · Feb 4, 2023

US pressures allies to expel Russia's Wagner mercenaries from Libya, Sudan

The United States has stepped up pressure on Middle East allies to expel the Wagner Group, a military contractor with close ties to Russia's president, from chaos-stricken Libya and Sudan where it expanded in recent years, regional officials told The Associated Press.

France 24 · Feb 3, 2023

US seeks to expel Russian mercenaries from Sudan, Libya

North African and Sudanese officials say the United States is ratcheting up pressure on Middle East allies and power brokers in chaos-stricken Libya and Sudan to expel a Russian private military contractor

The Independent UK · Feb 3, 2023

Vladimir Putin's soldiers 'pumped full of drugs' so they can fight for hours in Ukraine

The Wagner Group, which has been likened to Vladimir Putin's own personal militia, topped up its ranks by allowing Russia's convicts a chance to fight for the country in exchange for their freedom should they survive

Daily Mirror · Feb 2, 2023

A pro-Russian social media campaign is trying to influence politics in Africa

Researchers have identified a large network pushing pro-Russian themes and messages to French-speaking audiences around Africa, amid long-running efforts by Russia to gain influence in the region.

WEKU · Feb 1, 2023