Gazprom may create its own PMC – ISW explains why 

It is stated in the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) latest report.

"Russian state energy company Gazprom may be creating its own private security force, likely in an effort to normalize state-affiliated paramilitary groups and undermine private military companies (PMCs)," the statement said.

The Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported on February 7 that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin privately authorized Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Neft to establish a 70 percent stake in its own private security company under a law on the safety of fuel and energy complex assets.

While it is not inherently unusual for state and private energy companies to establish private security forces to protect their assets, the GUR noted that the creation of this PMC aligns with ongoing tensions between the Kremlin and Wagner Group PMC financier Yevgeny Prigozhin. 

However, analysts believe that Russia may use these Gazprom security forces for purposes other than protecting Russian energy assets.

• Earlier, ISW emphasized that the Kremlin used Yevgeny Prigozhin's lawsuit against journalist Alexey Venediktov to further reduce his influence in Russia.