Private military contractors thrust into heart of Ukraine conflict information war

Wagner taps into Saint Petersburg State University talent pool 

Some of the institution's teaching staff are covertly headhunting on behalf of Yevgeny Prigozhin's paramilitary organisation, on the lookout for highly specialised recruits.

US private security veteran Matthew Parker redeploys to Ukraine 

After hunkering down in Maryland for months, the director of the private security outfit Independent Security Advisors has won new contracts with the Ukrainian armed forces and law enforcement.

Despite heavy casualties, private military and security contractors still operating in Ukraine 

The Mozart Group imploded, but other private firms are recruiting - and there's plenty of demand for jobs. Companies from the UK, Israel, Estonia, Germany and Albania have been recently active in Ukraine.

Fog of Ukrainian war envelops Mozart Group 

The US volunteer group is falling apart, brought down by the murkiness surrounding its finances and mission, US government ambiguity concerning lethal aid, and the complexity of the military situation on the ground.

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Mozart Group's internal strife tarnishes reputation of American volunteers in Ukraine 

No ITAR licence, murky legal status and finances...The two key officials at this US paramilitary organisation are making open accusations against each other left and right.

Russia ramps up strategic disinformation campaign north of Ukraine 

To divert Kyiv's attentions away from the main theatres of war in Ukraine's east and south, Russian intelligence services and private military companies are conducting a growing number of manoeuvres in Belarus. Information about these operations is being carefully 'leaked'.

US volunteers in Ukraine: Mozart Group's marines go to battle against each other 

Breaking news published on 12/01/23 at 2.37pm: The Mozart Group, an organisation of ex-US military personnel operating in Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia, is unravelling behind the scenes. Founder Andy Milburn accuses his former CFO of secretive activities and has condemned what he considers a hostile takeover.

The PR Army communications stalwarts who are getting Kyiv's message out to the world 

In the early days of the war, Ukrainian public relations professionals formed an ad hoc group - later known as the PR Army - to get the message of its government out to the world.

US army veteran Matthew Parker hired to shore up Ukraine's northern flank 

The retired NCO arrived on Ukrainian soil in March to coordinate the recruitment of foreign volunteers and is now training Ukrainian regular forces and helping with tactical planning on the border with Belarus.

US veterans shape support role through Ukrainian Freedom Fund 

This Ukrainian fund created in 2014 has become a veritable support hub for Kyiv, where the delivery of light military equipment donations are coordinated and retired US Marines offer paramilitary training to Ukrainian soldiers.