Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Documentary Exposes Wagner Group's Rise and Oligarch Influence

3/19/2026

44 5

Summary

Story summary

Hell’s Army, directed by Richard Rowley, examines the rise of mercenaries, notably the Wagner Group.
At the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, the film follows exiled police detective Denis and Katya as they probe Wagner's origins and Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Rowley warns that oligarch influence could push the United States toward authoritarianism and argues for democratic control of military forces to prevent mercenary harms.

1 of 1

Story summary

Hell’s Army, directed by Richard Rowley, examines the rise of mercenaries, notably the Wagner Group.
At the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, the film follows exiled police detective Denis and Katya as they probe Wagner's origins and Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Rowley warns that oligarch influence could push the United States toward authoritarianism and argues for democratic control of military forces to prevent mercenary harms.