7 February took place one of the most confusing episodes of the war in Syria – “US troops and their Syrian allies near Deir ez-Zor were attacked by hundreds of fighters, loyal to the Syrian regime”, – He writes columnist The Washington Post Adam Taylor. Americans in response dealt a crushing counterattack, then there were reports, that Russian mercenaries participated in the attack and were among the victims, It reminds the author.
“Mercenary company called “Wagner” (sic), it was associated with Eugene Prigogine – Russian oligarch, which spetsprokuror Robert Mueller recently indicted for his alleged role in the “information warfare” on the eve of the presidential election 2016 in the US. Even worse, that US intelligence reports indicate, that shortly before the attack and after Prigogine came into contact with the Kremlin, and with Syrian officials, The Washington Post reported on Thursday. This situation leads to serious questions about, what role Russian mercenary firm – or rather “psevdonaemnicheskaya” business, According to Mark Galeotti, expert on the Russian military, – He played in Syrian war”, – newspaper writes.
“Sources in the US intelligence believe, that Prigogine “almost certainly” controls mercenaries “Wagner”, war in Syria”, – referred to in Article.
The author asks, “Wagner” – “private group or a part of the Russian armed forces?”
“According Galeotti, “Wagner” – unique structure because of its opaque ties with the government”, – Taylor passes.
Private military companies are still not allowed by Russian law. “But private military companies can perform a key function for Russia”, – says the author. According to him, Kremlin seeks to avoid losses to the Syrian official, PMC also allow plausible deniability Moscow's involvement in the controversial international conflicts.
“According to US intelligence intercepts, Prigogine said Syrian officials, what “received permission” from an unnamed Russian minister to attack 7 February. However, it is not clear, the extent to which the activities of the group led by Moscow “Wagner” and if she always put up with these activities. Yuri Barmin, an expert on Russian foreign policy in the Middle East, I suggested on Twitter, that lack of “Wagner” Russian military support during the US counter may suggest about the quarrels between the Ministry of Defense of Russia and mercenary group”, – He writes journalist.
Alexei Khlebnikov (Russian Council on International Affairs) He said, that Moscow “Wagner” – “double-edged sword”. This PMC “It brings clear strategic benefit, but also poses a risk for Russia”, expert said. “However, Khlebnikov considered unlikely, that Russia would intervene, to stop “Wagner”, – referred to in Article. rather “Moscow will try to tighten control over “Wagner”, in order to ensure that no action”, which would weaken the position of Russia, he added.
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