The rise of the Wagner Group and other mercenary groups has recently raised concerns among diplomats, as such moves threaten Russia’s future stability.
On Telegram, Kadirov said Wagner – who fights alongside Russian troops in Ukraine – had “impressive results” and that private military companies were “needed”. “When my service to the state is over, I plan to compete with my dear brother and create my own military company,” said Kadirov, who has headed Chechnya since 2007. “I think it can only work out well.”
Autonomous
Kadirov and Prigozhin both operate largely independently of the Russian chain of command and are important allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but both have spoken out against the military’s top military policy.