As the United States withdraws its military forces from parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, Russia is expanding its influence in these and other areas. But instead of deploying conventional Russian soldiers, Moscow has turned to special operations forces, intelligence units, and private military companies PMCs like the Wagner Group to do its bidding.
Ukraine served as one of the first proving grounds for PMCs, beginning in The Russians then refined the model as these private mercenaries worked with local forces in countries such as Syria and Libya.
PMCs now fill various roles to undermine U. With operations suspected or proven in as many as 30 countries across 4 continents and an increasingly refined and adaptable operational model, PMCs are likely to play a significant role in Russian strategic competition for the foreseeable future.
Dates represent the earliest credibly documented PMC presence in each country. Not all PMC deployments are ongoing.
Even though PMCs are technically illegal under Article PMCs conduct training before deploying abroad, including at bases inside Russia and likely with the support of Russian military and intelligence agencies. The main base features a headquarters, an airborne training and obstacle course, weapons and munitions storage, and other military facilities.
