Wagner: “We Are Coming Back”
In a post titled "We're coming back", Wagner said that those who want to sign a contract will need a Russian passport to work outside the country.
Members of Wagner on stand guarded after the Wagner paramilitary group has taken control of the headquarters of Russia's southern military district in Rostov-on-Don, Russia on June 24, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
M
onths after the sudden demise of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash, the Wagner paramilitary group has recommenced its recruitment drive in several Russian regions, local media sources confirm.
In a significant shift, the group is now operating under the Russian National Guard, or Rosgvardia, and is spearheaded by Pavel Prigozhin, the 25-year-old son of the late Yevgeny Prigozhin. Local news site 59.ru reported these details, which were later corroborated by several independent news outlets.
Journalists have observed announcements of the recruitment revival on Wagner’s Telegram channel, specifically targeting the Perm and Novosibirsk regions. These announcements came with specific requirements for potential recruits, emphasizing the need for a Russian passport, family records, and vaccination certificates.
A clean criminal record
Interestingly, there’s now a stipulation for a clean criminal record and no history of drug abuse to be recruited for Wagner, a departure from their past practices where they were known to recruit individuals with criminal backgrounds.
However, recent reports suggest the Wagner Group has been absorbed by the Russian Guard or Rosgvardiya, a branch that handles internal security threats and is directly under President Vladimir Putin’s purview. This move has prompted speculation among military analysts and experts on the future role and direction of the group within Russia’s broader defense and security apparatus.
Despite the controversies surrounding the group and its operations, the resurgence of its recruitment drive signals its intent to remain a prominent player in Russia’s security dynamics.
“We are coming back”
In posts titled “We’re coming back,” they said those hoping to sign a contract will need a Russian passport for operations outside the country, records of their families and close relatives, and vaccination certificates.
Further cementing these rumors, a Telegram channel named ‘Prigozhin 2023,’ believed to be affiliated with Wagner, has been endorsing Pavel Prigozhin as the natural successor and future leader of the group.
Additionally, recent reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that some ex-members of the Wagner mercenary company were seen fighting in Ukraine, but now under the banner of the Russian military.
The Wagner Group, known for its covert operations in regions such as Africa and Ukraine, has garnered international attention in recent years. With the recent changes in its leadership and the renewed recruitment drive, it remains to be seen how the group will navigate its future in the international security landscape.
Sources: Business Insider and Anadolu Agency
