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Image: Dmitri Lovetsky/AP Photo/picture allianceImage: Dmitri Lovetsky/AP Photo/picture alliance

Wagner Group

The Wagner Group is a private Russian mercenary unit fighting in Ukraine and elsewhere. Its former leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was presumed dead after a 2023 plane crash. Since 2024, it is also known as Africa Corps.

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All Content on this topic

Junta member Mohamed Toumba holds a microphone as he speaks to supporters of the coup in Niamey, Niger, Sunday

Junta member Mohamed Toumba holds a microphone as he speaks to supporters of the coup in Niamey, Niger, Sunday

Niger tense as ECOWAS ultimatum to junta set to expire

Niger's junta remains defiant despite ECOWAS threatening to attack if the president is not back in office by Sunday.

An archive photo of a man being moved to a vehicle by Poland's special services in Warsaw on October 15, 2014

An archive photo of a man being moved to a vehicle by Poland's special services in Warsaw on October 15, 2014

Poland arrests Belarusian accused of spying for Russia

Sixteen people who were allegedly spying for the Kremlin have now been detained in Poland.

DW Business (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Business (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Business

Niger turns towards Russia following coup - Employers trialing four-day working week

Two soldiers standing in a forest bending down looking at a backpack

Two soldiers standing in a forest bending down looking at a backpack

Fact check: Are Wagner fighters disguised as migrants?

Are claims that Wagner mercenaries are allegedly entering Poland 'dressed as' migrants accurate? A DW fact check.

A man casts his ballot in Bangui

A man casts his ballot in Bangui

Central African Republic holds vote to abolish term limits

The proposed new constitution would allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to seek a third term lasting seven years.

Putin talks to two men who are visible to viewers from the back. His palms face down

Putin talks to two men who are visible to viewers from the back. His palms face down

Putin's gamble with Ukraine's grain drags on

Putin promised grain to African countries hit by shortages caused by the war. African leaders told him to end the war.

DW Still | Russisch Orthodoxe Kirche in der Zentralafrikanische Republik

DW Still | Russisch Orthodoxe Kirche in der Zentralafrikanische Republik

Russian influence proliferates in Central African Republic

Russia’s influence is burgeoning in the Central African Republic, and beyond.

A man on a motorbike waves a Russian flag in the streets of Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso

A man on a motorbike waves a Russian flag in the streets of Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso

Fact check: Russia's influence on Africa

Russia uses various tools to increase its influence in Africa. DW's fact check looks at some of the narratives.

Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin

Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin

What to make of the Wagner Group's threats against Poland

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Wagner mercenaries are planning an "excursion" westward.

Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa sitting next to each other

Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa sitting next to each other

Where do Russia's ties with Africa stand?

Russia is doubling down on its efforts to strengthen ties with countries in Africa.

A fighter from Russian Wagner mercenary group conducts training for Belarusian soldiers on a range near the town of Osipovichi, Belarus

A fighter from Russian Wagner mercenary group conducts training for Belarusian soldiers on a range near the town of Osipovichi, Belarus

Wagner fighters training troops in Belarus?

Belarus has released video purporting to show Wagner fighters training Belarusian troops.

Wagner group soldier stands in front of rubble

Wagner group soldier stands in front of rubble

Russia: From convict to hero via Ukraine?

In Russia, former prisoners are returning home after being freed to fight in Ukraine. Their victims are living in fear.

Yevgeny Prigozhin

Yevgeny Prigozhin

Prigozhin's troll factories in Russia: What's next?

Reports that Wagner's Prigozhin has shut down his media group don't mean the end of online trolls in Russia.

Yevgeny Prigozhin (left) and Vladimir Putin in 2010

Yevgeny Prigozhin (left) and Vladimir Putin in 2010

Did Putin crony Prigozhin bite the hand that feeds him?

Are there more surprises coming in Russia from the so-called rebellion? DW asks a prominent Russian political scientist.

Yevgeny Prigozhin (left) and Vladimir Putin in 2010

Yevgeny Prigozhin (left) and Vladimir Putin in 2010

Did Putin crony Prigozhin bite the hand that feeds him?

Are there more surprises coming in Russia from the so-called rebellion? DW asks a prominent Russian political scientist.

Kombo Prigohzin Putin

Kombo Prigohzin Putin

Kremlin says Putin met Prigozhin after mutiny

Wagner commanders are said to have been offered "alternative options for employment."

Yevgeny Prigozhin with two fighters

Yevgeny Prigozhin with two fighters

Mystery surrounds whereabouts of Wagner boss Prigozhin

Russia? Belarus? Where has the head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin disappeared to?

To the Point TTP ENG

To the Point TTP ENG

Wagner in Belarus: a threat to Ukraine and NATO?

What role does the Belarusian dictator Lukashenko play?

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, looks out from a military vehicle

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, looks out from a military vehicle

Prigozhin: Wagner chief not in Belarus, Lukashenko says

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was supposed to be in exile in Belarus after an aborted mutiny in Russia.

Ivorian soldiers of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA

Ivorian soldiers of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA

Mali's MINUSMA peacekeeping mission: A foreseeable disaster

The UN Security Council has decided to withdraw all MINUSMA peacekeepers from Mali. What are the consequences?

Polish border officials guard a metal wall on its border with Belarus

Polish border officials guard a metal wall on its border with Belarus

Poland strengthens Belarus border after Wagner chief arrival

More Polish officers would guard the border along Belarus, where thousands of Wagner troops have relocated.

A soldier of the German military standing guard in Gao in northern Mali as part of the MINUSMA mission

A soldier of the German military standing guard in Gao in northern Mali as part of the MINUSMA mission

Mali: UN ends peace mission, US blames Russia's Wagner

Mali has rallied behind Russia as its relations with the West have deteriorated sharply in recent years.

Protesters holds a banner reading "Merci Wagner" (Thank you Wagner") during a demonstration in Bamako

Protesters holds a banner reading "Merci Wagner" (Thank you Wagner") during a demonstration in Bamako

Wagner Group operations in Africa

There's evidence that mercenaries from Russia's Wagner Group operate in at least four African countries.

A member of Wagner group stands guard in a street in the city of Rostov-on-Don

A member of Wagner group stands guard in a street in the city of Rostov-on-Don

Did the Wagner Group have supporters within Russia's army?

Despite a "united" repsonse by Russian security forces, how did Wagner fighters come within striking distance of Moscow?

A man wearing a dark suit and tie in a room with a flag

A man wearing a dark suit and tie in a room with a flag

Russia's war economy staggers on amid political chaos

Less than a week after the Wagner Group's attempted coup, political and economic uncertainty reigns in Russia.

Ukrainian servicemen fire a howitzer towards Russian troops

Ukrainian servicemen fire a howitzer towards Russian troops

Will the Wagner mutiny help Ukraine's counteroffensive?

Wagner mercenaries have stopped fighting alongside Russian forces for now. Will that help Ukraine's war efforts?

04.2015 DW Business Sendungslogo

04.2015 DW Business Sendungslogo

DW Business

Decoding Wagner head Prigozhin's wealth - Nuclear plants creating Russian reliance in Europe

Russian media report that General Sergei Surovikin has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner group's failed revolt.

Russian media report that General Sergei Surovikin has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner group's failed revolt.

Russian media report top general arrested

New revelations could signal the start of a purge at the top of the Russia's military establishment.

Wagner Group Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin wearing camouflage and a helmut

Wagner Group Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin wearing camouflage and a helmut

How 'Vladimir Putin's chef' became a billionaire

Who is Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin and how did he become so rich?

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, left, and European Council President Charles Michel speak with the media as they arrive for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, left, and European Council President Charles Michel speak with the media as they arrive for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels

EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine, Wagner mutiny

Leaders of the EU member states met in Brussels to discuss the recent mutiny in Russia as well as support for Ukraine.

Supporters of Capt. Ibrahim Traore parade wave a Russian flag in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Supporters of Capt. Ibrahim Traore parade wave a Russian flag in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

How could Wagner Group revolt impact Africa?

Could the conflict between Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and Putin spill over into Africa?

Fighters of the Wagner Group atop a tank moving out of Rostov-on-Don

Fighters of the Wagner Group atop a tank moving out of Rostov-on-Don

Wagner Group: What are private military companies?

So-called private military companies (PMCs) play an ever-greater role in military conflicts. But what are they?

Two soldiers from the Wagner Group, a private army, seen in a tank in Rostov on Don, Russia

Two soldiers from the Wagner Group, a private army, seen in a tank in Rostov on Don, Russia

Wagner mutiny in Russia changes EU summit agenda

EU leaders had intended to tackle membership and accession issues, but Wagner Group tanks have upended the agenda.

Sudan Rauchschwaden im südlichen Khartoum

Sudan Rauchschwaden im südlichen Khartoum

AfricaLink on Air — 28 June 2023

Sudan's Darfur region relives new war crimes+++Human trafficking in West Africa+++Sierra Leone's President Bio sworn in

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Wagner Group mutiny: The end for Russian defense minister?

Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu is to blame for how the Ukraine war is going, the Wagner Group boss said.

A tank draped in a little camouflage, with a soldier on top, at night in a city street. Other tanks in the background, and a small group of young civilians behind and to the left, one fliming on a phone.

A tank draped in a little camouflage, with a soldier on top, at night in a city street. Other tanks in the background, and a small group of young civilians behind and to the left, one fliming on a phone.

Yevgeny Prigozhin's mutiny: A stress test for Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin's contradictory treatment of Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has left Russia on edge.

Olha Stefanishyna, stellvertretende ukrainische Ministerpräsidentin für europäische und euro-atlantische Integration

Olha Stefanishyna, stellvertretende ukrainische Ministerpräsidentin für europäische und euro-atlantische Integration

Ukraine deputy PM: 'Russia's weakness never so visible'

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, speaks to DW.

Xi Jinping stands next to Vladimir Putin

Xi Jinping stands next to Vladimir Putin

China-Russia: Has the Wagner Group mutiny affected ties?

An attempted insurrection in Russia has drawn attention to how far President Xi is willing to go to support Putin.

Three screenshots showing alleged battles by Wagner forces in Russia, all false

Three screenshots showing alleged battles by Wagner forces in Russia, all false

Fact check: Do these videos show Wagner battles in Russia?

Many videos claim to show clashes between Wagner forces and the Russian army, but not all are real.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivering a speech

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivering a speech

Wagner Group coup: Beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin?

Many questions remain about what Yevgeny Prigozhin's mutiny will mean for Vladimir Putin, Russia and Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised address on June 24

Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised address on June 24

Russia's Putin under pressure after failed revolt

The Wagner group's short-lived revolt has left Moscow seeking to restore calm and reassert the President's authority.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

How the Wagner Group mutiny became a Belarusian PR triumph

Belarusian President Lukashenko's role in ending the Wagner mutiny has raised his profile as a statesman. Can it last?

An image of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks from the city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday June 24, as his forces seized control from the Russian military

An image of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks from the city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday June 24, as his forces seized control from the Russian military

Wagner Group's Prigozhin releases 1st message since mutiny

Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin said the aim was to avoid the destruction of the mercenary force.

Jens Stoltenberg in a DW interview

Jens Stoltenberg in a DW interview

NATO chief speaks to DW after Wagner mutiny in Russia

The Wagner mutiny is an 'internal Russian issue,' and NATO must focus on supporting Ukraine, says Jens Stoltenberg.

A Wagner mercenary sits atop in a tank in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don

A Wagner mercenary sits atop in a tank in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don

Wagner chief 'humiliated' Putin, Ukraine says

Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak said that the Wagner mercenary group had "almost nullified" Putin.

Prigozhin standing in front of Wagner fighters in Bakhmut

Prigozhin standing in front of Wagner fighters in Bakhmut

Russia's Wagner Group: Where is it active?

Infamous private military company Wagner Group has been acting internationally in Russian interests for years.

A Wagner mercenary in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don near the Ukrainian border

A Wagner mercenary in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don near the Ukrainian border

Who's who in the Prigozhin-Kremlin conflict?

Tensions between the Wagner Group and the Russian military have escalated, though Prigozhin has halted his troops.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a televised address to the nation

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a televised address to the nation

Former Russian PM Mikhail Kasyanov: 'Putin's future started to be questioned'

Police officers patrol Red Square after it was closed to the public

Police officers patrol Red Square after it was closed to the public

'Prigozhin might have gambled': defense analyst Marina Miron

A local resident walks past members of Wagner group in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023

A local resident walks past members of Wagner group in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023

Kremlin drops Wagner charges, Prigozhin to Belarus

A deal brokered by Minsk will ensure the private military group won't be punished for the mutiny in Russia.