Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as "Putin's Chef" because of his company's origins in the catering business, now fields a mercenary army of 50,000. Its role in Ukraine is central to Russia's war effort.
Russia and Ukraine are believed to have suffered equally horrific losses in the war. But when it comes to troop strength, the math is on Russia's side. Its population is four times Ukraine's.
The first anniversary of the war arrives this week with few, if any, signs of a way out of the conflict. For the civilians caught in the crossfire, that means no discernible end to the suffering.
It's been a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Host Leila Fadel takes stock of the war and where it stands. We'll also look back at NPR's reporting from Ukraine over the past year.