Russian mercenaries, like the Wagner group, have an awful reputation. Multiple western outlets have reported on their military ineffectiveness, their abysmal human rights record, and their exploitative nature.
For example, in July 2024, the Wagner Group faced a military setback in northern Mali. It lost dozens of mercenaries, including a senior commander and a well-known Russian military commentator.
Since 2014, multiple reports have linked Russian mercenaries to massacres, sexual violence and crimes against humanity.
