Wallace in warning over Russia’s secret army

THE Defence Secretary has warned of Britain’s concern over Russian mercenaries intervening in Mali, after it was revealed that the country’s military junta was in talks with the Wagner Group.

As part of the UN peacekeeping mission that is being led by France, British troops were deployed at Gao in December last year as part of a three-year commitment in the country.

However Ben Wallace told the Commons yesterday that the UK and France, “are both concerned about the appearance of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, in many parts of West Africa”.

The potential involvement from Russia came to light after France announced plans to reduce its commitment.

Malian leaders said they would use soldiers from the Wagner Group to fill security gaps left by France and are reported to be close to hiring 1,000 mercenaries.

Senior Tory MPS have also expressed their concern about the Wagner Group.

Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said: “Mercenaries are the secret side of Putin’s empire. They’re looking to profit from Mali’s weakness to get cash and power.”