#195 Marat Gabidullin - Wagner Group Commander / Russian Mercenary

Shawn Ryan interviews Marat Gabidullin, a former commander in Russia's Wagner Group, about the group's history, recruitment, and operations, particularly focusing on their involvement in Syria and the Battle of Kashan against U.S. Special Forces. John Lechner, an expert on Russian military companies, provides additional context and translation assistance. The discussion covers Wagner's origins in the 2014 Ukraine conflict, its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin's background and ambitions, and the group's expansion into Africa. Gabidullin shares his experiences fighting in Syria, the motivations behind Wagner's actions, and his perspective on the Battle of Kashan, while also expressing his current opposition to Putin and the war in Ukraine, for which he is now seeking asylum in France.