Russia’s Recruitment of Syrian Mercenaries: A New Threat to the Ukrainian Resistance

Apr 3

Apr 3 Russia’s Recruitment of Syrian Mercenaries: A New Threat to the Ukrainian Resistance

Over a month has passed since Putin’s invasion of the North, South, and South-Eastern fronts of Ukraine. Currently, key cities like Kyiv and Mariupol are facing Russian aggression and casualties have racked up to 977 deaths. Russia and Ukraine’s complicated history is patterned by Russian disapproval of Ukraine’s strive towards independence. Putin’s fear of NATO and Western expansionism is a source of tension.

When analysing the relationship between Russia and Ukraine, it is vital to remember Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the establishment of Russian-backed separatist states in the Donbas region. Russia’s refusal to acknowledge Ukrainian independence has faced backlash from the international system, but Moscow persists in “de-nazifying” and reuniting Ukraine. The already-established separatist states give leverage to Moscow when considering military tactics. The Kremlin’s corruption runs deep and strengthens their agenda militarily, economically, and politically. Putin’s deceitful actions even before he was president persist in his engagement with criminal organisations, nepotism towards oligarchs and kleptocrats. However, corruption in Russia’s defence cannot hold a light to the Ukrainian’s fight, especially with the international system’s pressure and sanctions on Russia. Despite Russia’s 190,000 troops amassed at the Ukrainian border, a combination of both Ukrainian willpower and Russian military ineptitude contribute to Russia’s underperformance. As of March 26th, another Russian general, Yakov Rezantsev, was killed in a strike, and morale in the Russian military continues to plummet. High-ranking Russian officials continue to fight on the front lines as troops face low morale, and supplies run low. With Russia facing more resistance than expected, there is speculation that Putin will utilise a different source to strengthen his offensive strategy: mercenaries.

The wave of political unrest and protests known as the Arab Spring in the Middle East in 2011 allowed for a flourishing allyship between Bashar Al-Assad and Putin, in which Russia provided diplomatic and military assistance to Assad’s regime. Both Moscow and Assad shared anti-Western sentiments and Russia’s economic attraction to the dire situation allowed Moscow to take advantage. Almost a decade later, Putin is attempting to recruit Syrian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine.

The legal and technical background regarding the use of Private Militaries (PMCs) in Russia creates a sphere of corruption surrounding PMCs and mercenaries. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation slowly began privatising the military, though private security and military companies cannot technically be established. Loopholes in the judicial system allow for the operation of PMCs in Moscow’s military operations. The Wagner Group is a prime example – Russia has been able to engage in proxy wars in Ukraine, Syria, and Libya with plausible deniability. Furthermore, the advantages of utilising mercenaries allow for the downplay of causalities, and generally strengthen the Kremlin’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Moscow’s use of PMCs is ruthless and strategic in military and political practice - not only as a military threat to Ukraine’s resistance, but also as a cyber-security threat. Russia is constantly on the radar when considering digital warfare tactics like alleged election hijackings, and accusations of hacking which targeted the global energy sector. Furthermore, media is manipulated and censored in favour of the Kremlin, and propaganda which attempts to rally support for the invasion. Wagner’s engagement with Moscow goes beyond the military complex, and into the digital warfare aspect. Wagner and other PMCs are present in multiple conflict zones, including Sudan, where they are accused of cybercrimes and corruption by foreign ambassadors.

As the world watches the Russian occupation and the incredible Ukrainian resistance, there is fear surrounding Moscow’s next moves. If they do indeed utilise PMCs and mercenaries – specifically the notorious Wagner group - the consequences could be dire for Ukraine. Military personnel and strategy could be strengthened, and propaganda will continue to aid Moscow in its deep-rooted corruption and war crimes. For now, the international system mostly stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its resistance. NATO continues to send aide, and the glory of the Ukrainian resistance lies in the sacrifices and leadership made by the people of Ukraine.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the wider St. Andrews Foreign Affairs Review team.