The Russian state energy monopoly Gazprom is said to be building a private army. A corresponding decree had already been signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the Ukrainian secret service said. The group has not yet given any official confirmation of such a project.
The “arms race” of the main political actors in Russia seems to continue. Following Yevgeny Prigozhin’s private military company – Kampfgruppe Wagner – the energy company now also seems to want to implement similar plans.
The document published on Twitter states that Gazprom Nef must contribute 70 percent of the capital for the private military group. The remaining shares would come from a private security organization called the Staff Center, the Secret Service further explained.
What is Gazprom up to?
Exactly how the newly created force will be deployed remains a mystery. However, Gazprom is certainly one of the Russian companies most affected by the war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, Western countries have successively imposed sanctions on coal, oil and gas imports. In addition, several gas storage facilities in EU countries were forcibly nationalised.
Close ties to the Kremlin
Private armies play an important role in the Russian security system – often with very close ties to the Kremlin, government agencies and state-owned companies. It is also reported that some of these companies are also involved in political affairs and are directly controlled by the Kremlin.
However, due to the opacity, it is considered difficult to assess the extent to which these relationships are official and to what extent they interfere with the activities of these companies.
Private army for Russia at war
The most famous army at the moment is the Kampfgruppe Wagner, which is currently actively involved in the war against Ukraine. The organization has already been accused of human rights violations such as torture and killings in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Mozambique.
But the Russian Defense Minister himself, Sergei Shoigu, also runs such a company. His company “Patriot” competes directly with Wagner and is said to have been active in Ukraine in 2018 and also fought in Syria.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
