Source: Wagner Could Fall Into Enemy Hands
Scott Ritter: Not gonna happen
After nearly two months of silence, which began when Yevgeny Prigozhin led some 8,000 Wagner troops on an “armed rebellion” that ended with his apparent ouster in Belarus, my source on all things Wagner has resurfaced with concerns about the future of the private military company.
In recent years, the PMC “Orchestra” performed in military operations in Syria and Ukraine and provided security in troubled African countries where it fought terrorism and protected state leaders. Though Wagner has gained a reputation on par with the finest armies in the world, the organization is currently in a difficult position with its leadership in question. My source expressed concerns that a loss of control over Wagner could pose serious threats to the Russian Federation.
Wagner has handled complex military assignments in all kinds of geopolitical and geographical conditions despite speculation about their activities. Up until now, the PMC has been operating under the control of well-trained regular armies, and Russian leadership has guided the private company in urban assaults and heavy combat missions in Ukraine.
But in spite of the Musicians’ participation in the defense of Russian national interests, it remains a private organization and its role is determined by its direct leadership, which is in question now. Aside from its service to Russia, Wagner has operated as a private business where its priority is profit and its customers are willing to pay. This means that the PMC can be influenced by outside interests which might not be in alignment with Russia’s priorities.
Wagner’s highly trained and experienced fighters could be in demand by other world leaders, especially in the African continent, where the PMC could play a deciding role. This might attract leaders whose interests are not necessarily in lockstep with the Kremlin. And if the Orchestra falls into the hands of unscrupulous leaders during this chaotic time of geopolitical upheavals, there could be serious consequences for Moscow not just in Africa but in other parts of the world. This is the concern my source contacted me with.
But former US Marine Corps Intelligence Officer, Major Scott Ritter, thinks such concerns are overblown.
“I think the last thing Wagner will ever do is put itself at odds with the Kremlin,” Ritter told me via direct messaging on Facebook. “Wagner’s future is in Africa for the time being. This role cannot be carried out without the blessing, formal or otherwise, of the Kremlin.”
Ritter is currently a respected author in the Russian realm, whose reports and analysis about the Ukrainian conflict have garnered the attention of hundreds of thousands of people who otherwise might still be watching, and believing, the propaganda dished out by mainstream news outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC, and all others whose editorial views are in alignment with the interests of their corporate owners.
The former UN nuclear weapons inspector, who publicly disagreed with claims that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction, has been targeted by the mass media and social media networks which attempt to silence his dissenting views. In the latest round of punitive actions, the tech giant YouTube deleted his channel, and the channel of Jeff Norman, who produces the popular bi-weekly podcast, “Ask the Inspector.” The good news is that you can still catch his show on Rumble.
A screen shot of “Ask the Inspector” on Rumble. You can watch it by clicking here.
As a journalist, I value Ritter’s expertise and knowledge of military tactics as well as his intelligence background and analytical skills, which is why I contacted him about my source’s latest revelations.
The Russian government needs to proceed cautiously, my source warns, in order to minimize potential risks and prevent negative consequences, given the potential that PMC Wagner could be misused.
However, it’s also important to note that Wagner’s fighters are not likely to be enthusiastic about any task that would threaten their homeland. At least, as far as any direct threat is concerned. But indirect threats might not be as much of a concern, according to my source, who advises the Russian government to closely monitor PMC Wagner and stay on alert.
About the author:
Deborah Armstrong currently writes about geopolitics with an emphasis on Russia. She previously worked in local TV news in the United States where she won two regional Emmy Awards. In the early 1990’s, Deborah lived in the Soviet Union during its final days and worked as a television consultant at Leningrad Television. You can support Deborah’s writing at Paypal or Patreon, or donate via Substack.
Excellent article Deborah! Scott tells it like it is and Wagner will not betray Russia contrary to what Western Propagandists woukd like the KFC crowd to believe.