Russian paramilitary organisation the Wagner Group has come out of the shadows and into the open with new corporate headquarters in St Petersburg.
The shiny glass-fronted office and technology centre, topped with a large, white Wagner sign, opened on Friday.
In recent weeks, the man behind Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been raising his profile after years spent operating behind the scenes and denying a role in the group.
The opening of the Wagner Centre is seen as another step by Mr Prigozhin to publicise his military credentials and take a more public role in shaping Russia's defence policy. His contract soldiers are supporting Russia's army in Ukraine.
“The mission of the PMC Wagner Centre is to provide a comfortable environment for generating new ideas to improve Russia's defence capability,” Mr Prigozhin said in his statement.
The opening of the large steel and glass office building was attended by a mix of veterans in military uniforms and young professionals.
A lorry was parked outside, emblazoned with the “Z” symbol used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
“We are inviting start-ups involved in IT, industrial technology and those developing new ideas which they are ready to apply in the field of national defence,” said Anastasia Vasilevskaya, press secretary for the centre, where several drone aircraft were on display.
“We are, of course, interested in projects that can act as import substitution,” she said. Sanctions by western countries have made it harder for Russia to buy foreign weapons technology.
Mr Prigozhin has made a series of public comments about Russia's setbacks during what Moscow calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine, joining Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in ridiculing the performance of Russian generals.
Last month, he publicly confirmed for the first time that he was the founder of Wagner, which has also deployed troops to Syria and countries in Africa. The US and European Union have sanctioned Mr Prigozhin for his role in the group.
“The creation of such a centre was a long time coming. The only thing is that it appeared really late,” said volunteer Alexey Savinsky, clad in military camouflage.
“This centre had to be opened a year before the special military operation. So, it’s two years behind schedule.”
There was no sign at the opening of Mr Prigozhin — sometimes called “Putin's Chef” for his sprawling catering businesses that have swept up government contracts.
For years, the Wagner Group has been suspected of playing a role in realising Moscow's overseas ambitions, with the Kremlin denying any links.
The force — and its leader — have taken an increasingly prominent role in the Ukraine offensive.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half stars
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Internet
Hive Mind
four stars
The%20Specs
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Apple%20Mac%20through%20the%20years
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The bio
Date of Birth: April 25, 1993
Place of Birth: Dubai, UAE
Marital Status: Single
School: Al Sufouh in Jumeirah, Dubai
University: Emirates Airline National Cadet Programme and Hamdan University
Job Title: Pilot, First Officer
Number of hours flying in a Boeing 777: 1,200
Number of flights: Approximately 300
Hobbies: Exercising
Nicest destination: Milan, New Zealand, Seattle for shopping
Least nice destination: Kabul, but someone has to do it. It’s not scary but at least you can tick the box that you’ve been
Favourite place to visit: Dubai, there’s no place like home
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
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Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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THE SPECS
Touareg Highline
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 340hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh239,312