I am like 90% sure the clash was about a private or corporate oil interest and has nothing to do with the Russian government. The only thing linking Wagner to the real military is they are mostly veterans but most of them had a history of bad conduct ending with dishonorable discharge or even conviction. That is how they end up in such groups.
Russians aren’t conscripted for life. So I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt on their character and conduct. Besides, those types are usually quite adverse to military service so would likely avoid it after getting out.
They were private Russian contractors advancing on a US base securing nearby oil facilities. It was likely done with a wink and nod from Gazprom, directed from Russia.
They knew they were advancing on a US base and were warned repeatedly. They died due to greed and callous miscalculation.
Never thought Ivan wanted to engage US directly. But Wagner did business with Assad and with the Iranian elements. Hence, I think the Iranian elements of the SAA, probably Quds decided they would pay the Wagner group to grab the oil field/refinery.
We saw the results, Wagner group will be taking about the results among the survivors forever.
Long and short, there are a lot of evil forces in the ME. Iran and Turkey are among the worst. Assad? bad enough.