Russia using Wagner mercenaries to hold frontlines in Ukraine, says British intelligence
Russia has deployed its notorious Wagner group, a paramilitary organisation active in Libya and Syria, to the frontlines of its war with Ukraine.
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An estimated 10,000 to 20,000 mercenaries are taking part in the invasion [Source: Getty]
British military intelligence said on Monday that Russia has used the private military contractor Wagner to reinforce its frontline forces in the Ukraine conflict.
Wagner is lowering its recruitment standards and hiring convicts and formerly blacklisted individuals, potentially impacting Russian military effectiveness, the Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update.
The Wagner Group has been active in Libya and the Sahel for several years and was accused of war crimes while assisting warlord Khalifa Haftar’s efforts to seize Tripoli between 2019 and 2020.
The group is also accused of war crimes in Syria, where Russia has been militarily involved in support of Bashar al-Assad.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. There have been several reports of Wagner soldiers being "transferred" from Libya and Syria to Ukraine's eastern region, where Russia is launching a war of attrition to take several Ukrainian cities.
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