The so-called Wagner Group, a quasi-private Russian military security contractor, has long been deft at finding opportunity amid chaos. Since the group first appeared on the battlefields of eastern Ukraine in 2014, it has become the Swiss Army knife of Russia’s overseas interference efforts and has been linked to activities including election meddling, gold mining, and front-line combat.
Foreign Policy: Russia’s shadowy mercenaries offer humanitarian aid to clean image
An 2S1 self-propelled gun, supposedly belonging to the Wagner Group, pictured on Oct. 5-6, 2017, near Al-Qaryatayn, Syria.
