Our piece for @thedailybeast looks at recent moves by Wagner Group contingent Rusich. Recently, the group's social media seems to hint at a return to Ukraine. thedailybeast.com/wagners-rusich…
A longer version is available at @NewAmerica. A few takeaways below. 🧵 newamerica.org/future-frontli…
Rusich was among the most notorious Russian soldier-of-fortune contingents that operated in Ukraine during 2014-15. Subsequently, members appeared in Syria guarding Russian oil and gas facilities.
Last fall, Rusich's Instagram account replied to a comment hinting at a return to хнр or “KhNR”—a reference to the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which pro-Russian separatists briefly proclaimed independent in 2014 before Ukrainian forces reasserted control over the city. 
The group trains at what appears to be a government shooting range in the St. Petersburg suburbs, one that is also used by other ultranationalist groups.
Rusich also conducts parachute training at the same airfield as the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, an elite paratrooper unit and a key feeder for Wagner Group fighters.
Rusich’s apparent access to government facilities paint a picture of a well-connected Russian soldier of fortune contingent with at the very least tacit Kremlin backing and friendly ties to the state, if not outright under direct state control.
Check out our blog for more! newamerica.org/future-frontli…
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