Russia, Burkina Faso talk military cooperation
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Russia, Burkina Faso talk military cooperation

Hindustan Times  

Oct 9 - Russia's Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and prime minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire J. Kyelem de Tambela, discussed in Moscow expanding military ties, the Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday. Russia, Burkina Faso talk military cooperation WHY IS IT IMPORTANT Moscow has been pursuing a combination of military, diplomatic, and economic interests in Africa, vying with the West for influence after Russia's war in Ukraine triggered the biggest confrontation between Moscow and Washington in decades. After Putin's landslide win in Russia's presidential election in March, some newspapers in Africa saw Putin's re-election as reinforcing the stance of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In June, Russia said it was sending additional military supplies and instructors to Burkina Faso to help the west African country boost its defence capabilities and fight terrorism.

Africa Russia Military Cooperation Putin Burkina Faso Russian Burkina Moscow Faso  moscow  west  defence  africa  russia  military  cooperation  russias  russian  talk  faso  burkina

History of this topic

U.S.-Russia battle to influence Africa plays out in Central African Republic
3 months, 1 week ago

U.S.-Russia battle to influence Africa plays out in Central African Republic

The Hindu  

Hours after Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin rebelled against his country’s top military leaders, his private army’s biggest client in Africa panicked, turning for help to his foe in the West. Officials from the Central African Republic, where some 1,500 of Mr. Prigozhin’s shadowy Wagner Group mercenaries were stationed, wrote a letter that day, requesting to “rapidly” arrange a meeting …

Russia’s top diplomat promises more military support for Burkina Faso as he tours West Africa
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Russia’s top diplomat promises more military support for Burkina Faso as he tours West Africa

Associated Press  

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Russia’s foreign minister on Wednesday pledged more support to Burkina Faso in fighting militant groups as he pressed his whirlwind tour of West Africa in an attempt to fill a vacuum left by the region’s traditional Western partners. “Russian instructors have been working here and their number will increase,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia has been …

How Russia is winning in Africa: Wave of military coups gains Putin new allies
7 months, 1 week ago

How Russia is winning in Africa: Wave of military coups gains Putin new allies

Salon  

Russia's deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, recently visited Sudan, where he met Gen. Abdul-Fattah Burhan, commander of the Sudanese armed forces and ruler of the country, to conveyed Russia's support. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism Last year, a third military coup took place in neighboring Niger, toppling another elected civilian government. …

‘Russia’s African lab’: How Putin won over Burkina Faso after French adieu
9 months, 1 week ago

‘Russia’s African lab’: How Putin won over Burkina Faso after French adieu

Al Jazeera  

Russia has been increasing its influence in Burkina Faso, where disillusionment with French politics has left a void. Three decades since Russia left large parts of Africa amid the breakup of the Soviet Union, however, signs of its return are visible in Burkina Faso, where the capital’s walls are adorned with pro-Russian graffiti, and Russian flags fly in the streets. …

Yevgeny Prigozhin's son takes command of Russia's Wagner Group
1 year, 2 months ago

Yevgeny Prigozhin's son takes command of Russia's Wagner Group

Firstpost  

Pavel Prigozhin, 25, is said to be engaged in negotiations with Rosgvardia, the Russian National Guard, regarding the potential involvement of the Wagner Group in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine The son of former Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reportedly assumed command of the mercenary group. Pavel Prigozhin, 25, is said to be engaged in negotiations with Rosgvardia, the Russian …

Putin orders former Wagner commander to take charge of ‘volunteer units’ in Ukraine
1 year, 2 months ago

Putin orders former Wagner commander to take charge of ‘volunteer units’ in Ukraine

Associated Press  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered one of the top commanders of the Wagner military contractor to take charge of “volunteer units” fighting in Ukraine, signaling the Kremlin’s effort to keep using the mercenaries after the death of their chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov was present late Thursday at Putin’s meeting with Troshev, a sign that Wagner …

Putin orders former Wagner commander to take charge of ‘volunteer units’ in Ukraine
1 year, 2 months ago

Putin orders former Wagner commander to take charge of ‘volunteer units’ in Ukraine

LA Times  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered one of the top commanders of the Wagner military contractor to take charge of “volunteer units” fighting in Ukraine, signaling the Kremlin’s effort to keep using the mercenaries after the death of their chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Speaking in a conference call with reporters Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Troshev now works for …

Could Chechen leader Kadyrov be Kremlin assassins' next target after the death of his ally, Yevgeny Prigozhin? Russian opposition politician says he is a threat to Putin because of his army, much like
1 year, 3 months ago

Could Chechen leader Kadyrov be Kremlin assassins' next target after the death of his ally, Yevgeny Prigozhin? Russian opposition politician says he is a threat to Putin because of his army, much like

Daily Mail  

A Russian opposition politician has claimed Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic and a long-time Putin ally, could face the same fate as Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin should his criticism of Russia's Defence Ministry continue. Ramzan Kadyrov pictured with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in June Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Chechen Republic Russian opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov …

Prigozhin’s death is good news for Ukraine
1 year, 3 months ago

Prigozhin’s death is good news for Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

On August 23, the news of Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death in a private plane crash north of Moscow sent shockwaves across the world. Nonetheless, the fiery crash that killed Prigozhin, who had risen to prominence after taking an increasingly visible role in the war in Ukraine, is unlikely to help Putin’s flailing invasion. With Prigozhin out of …

A top Russian general linked to the head of a rebellious mercenary group is reportedly dismissed
1 year, 4 months ago

A top Russian general linked to the head of a rebellious mercenary group is reportedly dismissed

Associated Press  

Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former commander of Russia’s forces in Ukraine who was linked to the leader of a brief armed rebellion, has been dismissed as chief of the air force, Russian state media reported Wednesday after weeks of uncertainty about his fate. Surovikin has not been seen in public since June 23-24, when Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner …

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said to be recruiting Wagner 'strongmen' for Africa
1 year, 4 months ago

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said to be recruiting Wagner 'strongmen' for Africa

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin …

Putin met Wagner chief Prigozhin
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin met Wagner chief Prigozhin

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vladimir Putin met the Wagner …

Days After Russia Mutiny, Putin Meets Wagner Group Chief Prigozhin
1 year, 5 months ago

Days After Russia Mutiny, Putin Meets Wagner Group Chief Prigozhin

News 18  

Days after the brief rebellion by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his private army, Russian President Vladimir Putin met the mercenary chief, the Kremlin’s spokesman on Monday said. Apart from Putin and Wagner, 33 others including commanders from the military company Prigozhin also attended the meeting, AFP quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. When Prigozhin launched the short-lived …

Russian mercenary leader Prigozhin’s commanders met Putin after short-lived mutiny, pledged loyalty
1 year, 5 months ago

Russian mercenary leader Prigozhin’s commanders met Putin after short-lived mutiny, pledged loyalty

Associated Press  

Just five days after staging a short-lived rebellion, mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin ‘s commanders met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and pledged loyalty to the government, a senior government spokesman said Monday, the latest twist in a baffling episode that has raised questions about the power and influence both men wield. Mark Galeotti, an author who heads the consulting firm …

Kremlin says Putin met with Russian mercenary leader days after abortive mutiny
1 year, 5 months ago

Kremlin says Putin met with Russian mercenary leader days after abortive mutiny

LA Times  

Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner Group military company, is shown in a video screenshot recording an address in Russia on June 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin days after a short-lived rebellion by the mercenary chief and his private army, the Kremlin’s spokesman said Monday. The three-hour meeting took place at the Kremlin on …

The key players in last weekend’s armed rebellion in Russia
1 year, 5 months ago

The key players in last weekend’s armed rebellion in Russia

Associated Press  

The key players in last weekend’s armed rebellion by Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin: YEVGENY PRIGOZHIN Prigozhin, 62, owed his position and his fortune to links with President Vladimir Putin. He declared a “march of justice” to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov. He helped engineer Russia’s military intervention in Syria that …

What future awaits Russia’s Wagner army and its boss, Prigozhin?
1 year, 5 months ago

What future awaits Russia’s Wagner army and its boss, Prigozhin?

Al Jazeera  

Observers say Yevgeny Prigozhin is ‘doomed’ after turning on Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for vindictiveness towards turncoat allies. The office reportedly hosted a “troll farm” that belonged to Yevgeny Prigozhin, known at the time as “Putin’s chef” for his catering services to the Kremlin. She is confident that after Wagner’s march on Moscow, that stopped only 200km south of …

EU urges caution as mercenary revolt raises doubts about Russian president’s grip on power
1 year, 5 months ago

EU urges caution as mercenary revolt raises doubts about Russian president’s grip on power

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union ministers urged caution Monday after a failed revolt by mercenaries in Russia raised questions about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power and whether the mercenaries might install themselves just over the border in Belarus. For us Europeans, the only thing that matters is to support Ukraine.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who chaired the …

Live Updates | Aftermath of Russian mercenary chief's armed rebellion
1 year, 5 months ago

Live Updates | Aftermath of Russian mercenary chief's armed rebellion

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The latest on the aftermath …

The mercenary chief who urged an uprising against Russia’s generals has long ties to Putin
1 year, 5 months ago

The mercenary chief who urged an uprising against Russia’s generals has long ties to Putin

Associated Press  

The millionaire mercenary chief who long benefitted from the powerful patronage of President Vladimir Putin has moved into the global spotlight with a dramatic rebellion against Russia’s military that challenged the authority of Putin himself. He also organized catering for Kremlin events for several years — earning him the nickname “Putin’s chef” — and has provided catering and utility services …

Russian mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin says Moscow's war in Ukraine is based on lies
1 year, 6 months ago

Russian mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin says Moscow's war in Ukraine is based on lies

ABC  

Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin says on Friday that the official Kremlin-backed version of why Moscow invaded Ukraine was based on lies concocted by his perennial adversary — the army's top brass. Key points: Yevgeny Prigozhin rejected Russia's core justification for invading Ukraine for the first time Mr Prigozhin said the war was about the Russian army chief's vanity and …

Amid infighting among Putin’s lieutenants, head of mercenary force appears to take a step too far
1 year, 6 months ago

Amid infighting among Putin’s lieutenants, head of mercenary force appears to take a step too far

Associated Press  

For months, the outspoken millionaire head of the Wagner private mercenary force bombarded Russia’s military leaders with expletive-ridden insults in a rift that has weakened the country’s forces amid the war in Ukraine. That’s when Russian authorities struck back, with the country’s top counterterrorism organization launching a criminal inquiry against Prigozhin and calling for his arrest on charges of fomenting …

Russian mercenaries call off march to Moscow after Putin vows to punish organizers
1 year, 6 months ago

Russian mercenaries call off march to Moscow after Putin vows to punish organizers

LA Times  

Members of the Wagner Group sit atop a tank in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, after the mercenary army’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, declared an armed rebellion. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the private army known as the Wagner Group, said his armored forces had advanced to within 125 miles of the Russian capital after seizing control of Russia’s main rear logistical hub for its …

Does Prigozhin, Russia’s Wagner chief, have political ambitions?
1 year, 6 months ago

Does Prigozhin, Russia’s Wagner chief, have political ambitions?

Al Jazeera  

As he revels in his role in Ukraine, Prigozhin has become a recognisable public figure in Russia and has staked out a niche among conservatives. “At the same time, by accumulating the discontent, he will bulldoze liberal opposition to political sidelines.” ‘Totalitarian’ decisions “Bulldozing” may be an appropriate term to describe Prigozhin’s managerial style. “I was lucky to come out …

After Burkina Faso ousts French, Russia’s Wagner may arrive
1 year, 8 months ago

After Burkina Faso ousts French, Russia’s Wagner may arrive

Associated Press  

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Just weeks after Burkina Faso’s junta ousted hundreds of French troops, signs appeared that the West African country could be moving closer to Russia, including the mercenary outfit, the Wagner Group. One signal was Burkina Faso authorities requested in February, nearly $30 million in gold from its mines to be handed over for “public necessity.” It’s …

Warning? Vladimir Putin's big ally amid Ukraine war: ‘Planning my own army’
1 year, 10 months ago

Warning? Vladimir Putin's big ally amid Ukraine war: ‘Planning my own army’

Hindustan Times  

Russian president Vladimir Putin's ally who leads Chechnya- Ramzan Kadyrov- said that he plans to set up his own private military company in the style of Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner Group of mercenaries one day. Ramzan Kadyrov said Wagner, which has been fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, has achieved "impressive results" and that private military companies were a necessity, as …

‘Plan to compete’: Chechen leader eyes Wagner-like mercenary unit
1 year, 10 months ago

‘Plan to compete’: Chechen leader eyes Wagner-like mercenary unit

Al Jazeera  

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ally says he plans to set up his own private military company styled after the Wagner Group. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, says one day he plans to set up his own private military company in the style of the Wagner mercenary group. In a post on Telegram, Kadyrov said on …

Russia’s Lavrov vows aid for W Africa fight against armed groups
1 year, 10 months ago

Russia’s Lavrov vows aid for W Africa fight against armed groups

Al Jazeera  

Moscow is seeking to expand its influence in Africa as a diplomatic tug-of-war between global powers continues on the continent. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pledged assistance to West African states battling armed groups, as Moscow seeks to expand its influence on a continent in a diplomatic tug-of-war between global powers. Lavrov on Tuesday hailed the alliance that has …

Russian role in Burkina Faso crisis comes under scrutiny
2 years, 2 months ago

Russian role in Burkina Faso crisis comes under scrutiny

Associated Press  

OUAGADOUOU, Burkina Faso — Within hours of Burkina Faso’s second coup this year, the head of Russia’s shadowy mercenary outfit Wagner Group was among the first to congratulate the new junta leader in West Africa. “The Burkina Faso coup that we just witnessed could be the first example of Russia playing a part in instigating a coup rather than just …

Op-Ed: How Russian battlefield defeats in Ukraine could lead to terrorism in the West
2 years, 2 months ago

Op-Ed: How Russian battlefield defeats in Ukraine could lead to terrorism in the West

LA Times  

As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to suffer humiliating battlefield defeats, his growing desperation may lead him to conclude that Russian-backed terrorist attacks against Western countries are a legitimate response. Because NATO countries have been supplying Ukraine’s military with weaponry and training its soldiers, the Kremlin has engaged in nuclear saber-rattling against them, raising concerns that Russia could use a …

Russian mercenaries are Putin’s ‘coercive tool’ in Africa
2 years, 8 months ago

Russian mercenaries are Putin’s ‘coercive tool’ in Africa

Al Jazeera  

Russia has deployed the Wagner Group in military operations across at least half a dozen African nations. The United States identifies Wagner’s financer as Yevgeny Prigozhin, an oligarch who is close to the Russian president and sometimes is called “Putin’s chef” for his flashy restaurants favoured by the Russian leader. But there is another objective of Russia’s “hybrid war” in …

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