News

What is the Russian Wagner group of mercenaries?

Published

4 years ago

July 29, 2022

Is Russia using mercenaries in Ukraine? A recent report from the British military intelligence has revealed that Russia has used the private military contractor called the Wagner group to reinforce its frontline forces in the Ukraine war

According to reports, Wagner has made advances in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine.

And a recent revelation from foreign policy Magazine says:

Wagner may get involved in Burkina Faso next as a military coup in January has left the country vulnerable.

And its fighters are already present in neighbouring Mali which means that it is very possible.

For some, Russia is simply using Wagner to secure access to ports and natural resources.

Other analysts say Russia is trying to capitalise on the rising anti-French sentiment in the Sahel.

In March. There were protests against French Military presence in a number of countries including in Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso.

France has been withdrawing its military presence in the region and now mainly operates out of Niger and Chad.

The Wagner Group has been called “Putin’s shadow army,” although the Kremlin has denied responsibility for any knowledge of their activities.

And The U.S. government has called Wagner a Proxy Force of Russia’s defense ministry.

Alongside their mercenary work, the group has also been accused of spreading disinformation.

But using mercenaries is not new.

Another controversial group is the American Private Milirtary contractor: Blackwater.

Which was led by the notorious Eric Prince.

Blackwater made billions of dollars during U.S.led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan before renaming itself.

The Intercept has also reported that Erik Prince has provided military services to Wagner in at least two African conflicts citing a report from “three people with knowledge of the efforts”.

Recently the European Union imposed sanctions on the Wagner group.

Experts say the war in Ukraine has forced the Kremlin to focus on Donbas, and less on Africa.

Small groups of Wagner fighters remain active in the Sahel, but more importantly; they remain influential.

News

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

News

Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy