In a shocking revelation, it has been reported that Russian mercenary group Wagner signed a contract with a Chinese firm to acquire two satellites and use their images for intelligence purposes. The contract, which was signed in November 2022, came at a critical time during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in which Wagner played a key role. According to documents seen by AFP, the Chinese company Beijing Yunze Technology sold two high-resolution observation satellites to Nika-Frut, a company that was part of Wagner's commercial empire. The cost of the satellites and additional services amounted to over $30 million.

The satellite images obtained through this contract were not only used to aid Wagner's operations in Ukraine but also in Africa. The organization utilized the images in countries such as Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Mali where its mercenaries were active. Interestingly, the contract also allowed Wagner to order images of Russian territory. It has been reported that the organization requested images of locations along the route between the Ukrainian border and Moscow, which it later seized during a mutiny in June.

However, there is no mention of these specific orders in the contract, and independent verification of the supply of such pictures has not been confirmed. The use of Chinese technology by Wagner highlights the limitations of Russia in the satellite sector. Despite Russia's historic reputation as a great space power, it lacks the capabilities required for such endeavors. China, on the other hand, has established itself as a leader in the field.

This revelation has also caught the attention of Western intelligence services. The US Commerce Department recently added Beijing Yunze Co. Technology and Head Aerospace Technology to its sanctions list, stating that these companies significantly contribute to Russia's military and defense industrial base and are involved in activities against US national security interests. It remains unclear whether the Chinese leadership was aware of Wagner's interest in satellite images of Russia's own territory. Some analysts believe that the level of centralization in China might be overestimated and that competition between different leaders and administrations could affect such operations.

The contract between Wagner and the Chinese firm is still active, according to a European security source. It allows for the acquisition of additional satellites from CGST, the Chinese operator that aims to have 300 satellites by 2025. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, claimed to be unaware of the situation described in the contract. The spokesperson stated that China always takes a prudent and responsible attitude towards export issues and follows Chinese policies, laws, and international obligations. This revelation raises concerns about the intersection of private military companies, technology, and international conflicts. It highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent the misuse of such capabilities in future conflicts.