Wagner mercenaries give considerable assistance to Russian military fighting in Ukraine. Britain is now demonstrating the group's true might.
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| Wagner Group soldiers in Ukraine War |
According to British military analysts, Wagner's Russian mercenary group in Ukraine controls up to 50,000 fighters. This was revealed in the Ministry of Defense's daily intelligence report in London on Friday. As a result, the mercenaries have now been designated as a "key component" in Russia's attack against Ukraine.
According to the British statement, the hitherto opaque firm in Russia was also formally registered as a corporation at the end of December, but solely as a management consultant.
It is unclear how much of this is utilized to manage paramilitary actions. Private security and military firms are forbidden in Russia.
Wagner's boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, very likely funded the ensemble in part with public monies obtained through inflated government contracts awarded to his other firms.
"The registration is most likely intended to maximize Prigozhin's business profit while also legitimizing the increasingly distinguished organization," the British statement added.
Since the commencement of Russia's offensive against Ukraine at the end of February, the British Ministry of Defense has issued daily reports on the trajectory of the conflict, citing intelligence sources.
In doing so, the British government hopes to undermine Russian propaganda while also keeping friends in line. Moscow accuses London of conducting a deliberate misinformation campaign.