WASHINGTON (Reuters] – A possible deployment by Russia-backed Wagner Group forces to Mali is alarming, according to a State Department spokesperson. The private contractor’s operation would cause instability in the area, the spokesperson stated Wednesday.

For the possibility of deployment, Wagner Group would get $10 million per month. Money that could support the Malian Armed Forces Forces, according to the statement.

Ned Price, spokeswoman for the State Department, stated that “Wagner force — well-known for their destabilizing actions and human rights abuses — won’t bring peace in Mali” but would destabilize the country more.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that neither the Wagner Group nor the Russian government paid them for it. He also claimed that private military contractors can work anywhere they want, as long as it does not violate Russian law.

The European Union imposed sanctions https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-hits-russian-mercenary-group-wagner-with-sanctions-2021-12-13 on the Wagner Group, as well as eight associated individuals and three energy companies in Syria, on Monday, accusing the group of clandestine operations on the Kremlin’s behalf.

Price stated that the United States also approved the contractor’s actions in Central African Republic (CAR) where “Wagner element carried out extrajudicial murders of members from predominantly Muslim Peuhl community,” Price added.