Fire Breaks Out at Former Wagner PMC Base in Krasnodar Region, Russia

A significant fire has broken out at the former base of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) located in the village of Molkino, Krasnodar Region. Reports indicate that administrative buildings, including the former headquarters, are ablaze.

According to Russian media, extensive flames engulfing multiple structures at the site. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The Wagner PMC announced the cessation of operations at the Molkino base in July 2023, following the failed mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Subsequently, the base was handed over to the so-called “African Corps,” a unit comprising former Wagner fighters now under the command of the Russian Ministry of Defense. This unit is currently active in countries such as Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Niger.

The Molkino site is situated approximately 40 kilometers from Krasnodar. According to Russian media reports from 2016, the area housed three military units, including the 1st Guards Rocket Brigade and the 10th Separate Special Purpose Brigade of the GRU. The site underwent significant modernization in early 2015, prior to the Wagner PMC’s arrival.