This footage, distributed by Kyiv Post, shows the aftermath of an ambush executed by Ukrainian Special Forces elements against a combined Wagner/RSF target. Several combatants are shown KIA. At a later point, prisoners taken in that ambush are interrogated as to their point of origin, mission, and motivation for participating. Despite the censorship, viewer discretion remains advised.

The interrogation, if authentic, reveals that the Wagner group staged in South Africa before heading North to Khartoum. If the Wagner contractor is being literal, then they undertook an approximate 100-hour, 6000 kilometer drive to make it that far (Using Johannesburg as a rough marker). At first blush, this might seem unrealistic, but then again, the subject on the table is Ukraine and Russia squaring up in Africa- something else that flies in the face of expectation at the surface level. It is also unclear as to whether the $1000 in pay refers to the RSF locals, or the Wagner Group- this seems a strikingly small sum for so big a task, but then there’s every chance that the Russian is just giving answers to save his life.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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