The exclusive story for CNN of the Russian mercenary: War unit does everything Putin says

“Wagner is an instrument of Putin to solve problems firmly, when actions must be taken immediately, urgently and in a more secret manner. I can't say it's an army in the full sense of that word. It's just a combat unit that does everything Putin's” says.

This is the first time a former Wagner warrior agreed to speak on camera, and Oleg sought to hide his identity. Private military companies are illegal in Russia and the group does not officially exist. But CNN has discovered that Wagner now numbers hundreds of fighters operating on three different continents. This is the person believed to be behind that expansion. Known as one of Putin's closest men because of large contracts to the Kremlin, Yevgeni Prigozhin, has been sanctioned by the United States because of funding for an internet agency accused of interference in the 2016 American elections.

I'm a mercenary and 90% of employees like me, we were motivated by the money”.

While asking what training he received, he says he spent six days in a camp in Molkino shooting. CNN traveled to Molkino and tried to get inside the training camp, but he failed. CNN found that the grouping has a very close relationship with the Russian Army. Not far from there, there is a monument to Wagner's fallen. Visitors are not welcome. Reporter Clarissa Ward of CNN, he's trying to get in with hidden cameras, but he can't.

“They didn't allow us to get inside, it's not surprising, because there's the only obvious evidence there that Wagner exists”, says Clarisa Ward, CNN reporter.

That monument was funded by a Prigozhin company. Five years ago in Crime, those green-covered people helped Moscow annex the province from Ukraine. It was a success, and since then the use of mercenaries from Russia has increased. Analysts say none of this could happen without Putin's approval.

Clarissa Ward: Do you believe Wagner was created to help Russia restore as global superpower?

Oleg: Yeah, 100%. This is Wagner's top priority.

Clarissa Ward: So he's trying to rival America?

Oleg: Russia is trying to pass the United States in all possible ways, using legal and non-legal methods. He is trying to suppress it and get the best he can; what will result? Nothing good, I guess.

But for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Wagner is a very valuable asset, an extended combat force without any responsibility.