Mutiny and Legal Consequences

Interestingly, the PMC members who participated in a mutiny against Russia’s military establishment led by their late founder, Yevgeny Progozhin, faced no charges following the rebellion. The mutiny ultimately led to Moscow withdrawing Wagner from Ukraine, and the mysterious death of Progozhin in a plane crash widely believed to be ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This absence of legal repercussions raises questions about the relationship between the Russian state and the controversial PMC, but still does not secure jobs for the former mercenaries.

Exclusion from Employment Opportunities

Despite promises of a fresh start, ex-mercenaries find themselves excluded from various job opportunities. According to independent Russian-language news outlet Mozhem Obyasnit (MO) (We Can Explain) on Telegram, these fighters are being rejected even with their official pardons. One mother named Svetlana shared her son’s experience, stating that he had applied for a job at a new factory in the Kamchatka region that developed kamikaze drones. Despite his official pardon, he was outright refused, with the employer suggesting he search for work elsewhere. Another woman from the Tyumen region shared that her husband, an ex-Wagner fighter, was unable to find employment in security and had to resort to working as an unlicensed taxi driver.

Recruitment agencies are also adding to the ex-mercenaries’ challenges. A military engine plant’s recruitment agency explicitly stated that candidates with convictions for theft, drugs, or murder would not be eligible, even if they had been pardoned. The agency recruiting for Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport disclosed that they were forced to reject candidates due to pressure from Russia’s main intelligence service, the FSB. Even a job agency recruiting for an assistant chef position at a franchisee of the Burger King fast-food chain had no room for ex-Wagner fighters, lamenting that only courier roles were available for them.

Broken Promises and Uncertain Future

Online discussions reveal the discontent and frustration of the ex-mercenaries. Families of these fighters claim that authorities have broken promises of providing a clean slate and a chance for a fresh start. With their hopes shattered and job opportunities limited, these former fighters face an uncertain future.

Moreover, the Wagner Group’s role in Africa is also uncertain. While it provided security services and served as a tool for the Kremlin’s interests in the continent, recent developments indicate the Central African Republic’s distancing from the PMC. This move could potentially affect Wagner’s activities and influence across the entire continent, as observed by the Russian military blogger Rybar on Telegram.

Conclusion

The return of Wagner Group mercenaries to civilian life in Russia has proven to be a challenging transition. Despite promises of a fresh start and official pardons, these ex-fighters find themselves excluded from employment opportunities and forced to settle for low-paid jobs. The difficulties they face raise questions about the nature of the relationship between the Russian state and the controversial PMC. With their skills and experiences, these fighters deserve a better chance at rebuilding their lives.

Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment on this matter.