Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #195: Marat Gabidullin - Wagner Group Commander / Russian Mercenary

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Marat Gabidullin (Murad Gabadulin)
Translator: John Lechner
Release Date: April 28, 2025

1. Introduction

In episode #195 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan engages in a candid and insightful conversation with Marat Gabidullin, a former commander of Russia's notorious Wagner Group. This episode delves deep into the origins, operations, and internal dynamics of the Wagner Group, shedding light on its pivotal role in global conflicts and its intricate relationship with the Russian state.

Notable Quote:
Shawn Ryan (00:30): "It's my first ever interview with an enemy combatant, a commander from Russia's infamous Wagner group."

2. Origins of the Wagner Group

The discussion begins with the historical backdrop of the Wagner Group. Founded in 2014 amidst the turmoil in Eastern Ukraine, Wagner emerged as a private military company (PMC) with close ties to the Russian state. The group's inception is closely linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin, a restaurateur with a tumultuous past, including criminal convictions and connections with Vladimir Putin.

Notable Quote:
John Lechner (03:04): "Wagner initially came out of the war in Eastern Ukraine and its founder was Yevgeny Prigozhin... he leveraged those relationships to eventually getting the job of providing meals to the whole Russian military."

3. Recruitment and Expansion

Marat Gabidullin explains the recruitment strategies of the Wagner Group, highlighting a blend of military veterans and individuals with troubled backgrounds seeking camaraderie and purpose. Initially a modest force of around 600 fighters, Wagner expanded its ranks through word-of-mouth recruitment and, post-2022, began recruiting directly from Russian prisons to bolster their numbers for the Ukraine invasion.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (17:04): "Wagner was a bit different at the time... it was one of several units that were figuring out ways to bring volunteers in to support the separatists."

4. Operations in Syria

Wagner's involvement in Syria marked a significant expansion of their operations. Initially sent to support Syrian forces, Wagner's effectiveness quickly became evident as they demonstrated superior combat skills against both ISIS and Assad's army. This effectiveness solidified their value to the Russian military, despite occasional pushbacks and misunderstandings.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (30:33): "We demonstrated the whole superiority over enemy and... over the Bashan Assad army."

5. The Battle of Khasham

A pivotal moment in the podcast centers around the Battle of Khasham (02:00:00). Wagner forces, numbering approximately 500, engaged with 40 U.S. Special Forces and Kurdish allies. The confrontation resulted in significant casualties for Wagner, with Marat recounting the intense combat and the challenges faced when Russian military leadership denied Wagner's involvement, leaving them vulnerable to American retaliation.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (48:41): "Our chief, our commander told us that American were not involved, that they wouldn't get involved."

6. Internal Conflicts and the Mutiny

The success and autonomy of the Wagner Group under Prigozhin's leadership eventually led to friction with the Russian Ministry of Defense. As Wagner began to gain prominence and Prigozhin's ambitions grew, the Russian military sought to curb his influence by limiting his access to resources and recruitment avenues. This tension culminated in a mutiny in June 2023, where Wagner attempted to seize control of Russia's southern military command in Rostov, aiming to arrest Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (73:15): "This battle was offensive... He [Prigozhin] was absolutely wrong."

7. The Fall of Prigozhin

Prigozhin's failed mutiny led to his demise, with rumors pointing towards internal factions within the Russian government, including the FSB, orchestrating his assassination to quell the threat he posed. Marat emphasizes the unpredictable nature of such power dynamics, stating that while Prigozhin had many enemies, the exact orchestrators of his fall remain unclear.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (99:52): "He doesn't know who is the actual person who did it. Prigozhin had many enemies."

8. Current Status of the Wagner Group

Following Prigozhin's death, the Wagner Group's autonomy has significantly diminished. Operations previously under Wagner's control in regions like Syria and Africa are now absorbed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, leading to a restructuring of mercenary activities tied closely to state objectives. Marat opines that Wagner, as a distinct entity, no longer exists in its former capacity.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (100:58): "Since Prigozhin's death, Wagner Group, in my opinion, ceased to exist."

9. Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with Marat seeking asylum in France, expressing his disillusionment with the Russian regime. He directly addresses Vladimir Putin, urging him to leave Russia, underscoring the personal stakes and ideological rifts that have emerged from his experiences with the Wagner Group.

Notable Quote:
Marat Gabidullin (104:47): "Get out. You are the enemy for my country."

Final Thoughts

Episode #195 offers a rare and unfiltered glimpse into the inner workings of the Wagner Group through Marat Gabidullin's firsthand accounts. The conversation underscores the complex interplay between private military companies and state power, the ethical quagmires of mercenary warfare, and the personal toll on those involved. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of modern Russian mercenarism and its global implications, this episode serves as a crucial resource.

Disclaimer: The podcast includes segments sponsored by various companies and promotional advertisements, which have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the substantive content of the interview.