The Russian military hired the Wagner group, a private military contractor, to replace their experienced soldiers and strengthen their forces. The group faced heavy fire from Ukrainian troops and their leader has received lucrative contracts catering to the military and government officials, including Vladimir Putin.
The Russian army faced a huge challenge when they entered Ukraine as they lost many of their elite special and airborne forces in the first push due to the smaller and nimble units of Ukrainian troops. They consolidated their troops in the East and South of Ukraine and sought ways to increase their manpower, including turning to a mercenary group called Wagner.
In a desperate move, Russia turns to the private military company Wagner Group for experienced men. Despite their background in catering and serving Vladimir Putin, the group's mercenaries have real military experience.