Private Military Companies in Ukraine: A Deep Dive into the Roles, Actions, and Impact of American PMCs
Since Ukraine’s territorial integrity came under severe threat, numerous Private Military Companies (PMCs) have operated within its borders, providing an array of services that span from training and equipping local forces to intelligence gathering, logistics, and even direct combat support. Amid these, American PMCs have carved a substantial role in shaping the operational landscape. This article delves into the roles, actions, and effects of various US PMCs active in Ukraine.
PART 1: BEFORE THE CONFLICT
Before the crisis escalated, Ukraine had become a hotspot for PMCs. Erik Prince, a central figure in the private military world as the founder of Blackwater and Frontier Services Group, was among those who saw immense potential in Ukraine. His vision involved a monumental $10 billion project, which aimed to integrate heavily into the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. This initiative was poised to include activities such as weapon manufacturing and the creation of a private army, evidencing Prince’s long-term strategic interests in Ukraine.
By March 2022, Prince’s ambitions extended to advocating the Biden administration send F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, to be manned by retired American soldiers. This marked a critical point in the dialogue surrounding the involvement of PMCs in the region and further accentuated the significant role that these entities were to play in Ukraine.
PART 2: THE OUTBREAK OF CONFLICT AND GROWING PMC INVOLVEMENT
As the situation in Ukraine evolved into open conflict, PMCs found themselves in greater demand. Gallant Knights, an American PMC, successfully negotiated a contract to train Ukrainian commandos. Meanwhile, Mosaïc, a firm already present in Ukraine before the hostilities began, specializing in intelligence, cybersecurity, and training, saw its operations scale up.
Independent Security Advisors (ISA), led by Matthew Parker, a US Army veteran with expertise in training, counter-terrorism, and close protection, entered the scene. ISA’s mission involved recruiting foreign volunteers, training regular Ukrainian forces, and tactical planning along the Belarus border. The CACI Group, known for its intelligence support to the US Special Forces, also engaged in Ukraine, providing technical intelligence like Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).
Other companies, such as AFGfree, spearheaded by Perry Blackburn, provided essential supplies in no-go areas and audited the efforts of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense. Their primary goal: establish a coherent strategy to train instructors in basic combat techniques, thereby enhancing the operational capability of Ukrainian forces.
PART 3: MARKET FRENZY AND DEMAND FOR PMCS
As the conflict intensified, demand for PMC services surged. Robert Young Pelton, a noted war journalist, observed what he described as a “market frenzy” for private entrepreneurs in Ukraine. The array of tasks ranged from extraction missions to logistical assistance, with requests appearing on the Silent Professionals website, a job platform for the security industry.
Subcontractors received lucrative contracts to exfiltrate people from Ukraine, costing between $30,000 and $6 million depending on the size and complexity of the mission. Multilingual former soldiers were particularly sought-after, commanding daily rates of up to $2,000 plus bonuses to help save families from the conflict zones. This boom in PMC activity was sadly evidenced by the death of American citizen and ex-Marine Willy Joseph Cancel, killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
PART 4: COMPARISONS AND CONTRASTS TO OTHER CONFLICTS
American PMCs’ involvement in Ukraine seems strikingly similar to previous engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq. In these conflicts, a symbiotic relationship formed between the US authorities and private security actors, and we see this trend continue in Ukraine.
PART 5: OTHER PMCs IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Despite media attention often focused on Russian PMCs such as the Wagner Group, American PMCs have played a prominent role in the conflict, with entities like The Mozart Group utilizing social media to communicate their activities and objectives.
But the scene is not restricted to the US and Russia. Belarus, too, fields a PMC, GardServis, primarily tasked with protecting President Lukashenko. France’s ESSD, Chiron Solutions, is on the ground to carry out evacuations for French companies and diplomats.
In conclusion, the Ukrainian conflict has highlighted the enduring and evolving role of PMCs in modern warfare. The diverse set of roles and responsibilities they undertake illustrate their ability to adapt and respond to the unique challenges posed by each conflict. With growing international reliance on these entities, their role in future conflicts is likely to expand further, raising essential questions about the regulation and control of these influential actors on the global stage.
