Russian state energy giant Gazprom is starting its own private security force, a move Ukraine fears will lead to a new Wagner-like mercenary army

• Russia's government is allowing energy giant Gazprom to start a private security outfit. 
• Ukraine's Ministry of Defence drew comparisons with the notorious private army the Wagner Group. 
• Experts said it's plausible that another Russian mercenary army is in the works. 

Russian majority state-owned energy company Gazprom has been authorized to create its own private security outfit, in a move that Ukrainian intelligence says is part of a war-fueled "arms race" to develop a mercenary army.

Russia's government gave its go-ahead for the energy giant to create a private security organization on February 4, under the pretext of securing the country's energy sector.