Wagner mercenaries can’t help Russia change war course - British intelligence

Wagner Private Military Company's role in the war in Ukraine has changed significantly since 2015, but this is not enough to change the course of hostilities.

That’s according to the British Defense Ministry, referring to intelligence data, Ukrinform reports.

"Wagner’s role has probably changed because the Russian MoD has a major shortage of combat infantry, however Wagner forces are highly unlikely to make a significant difference in the trajectory of the war," the intelligence agency reported.

It is noted that since March, Wagner PMC has been operating in the east of Ukraine in coordination with the Russian military. Wagner has likely been allocated responsibility for specific sectors of the front line, in a similar manner to normal army units.

This new level of integration further undermines the Russian authorities’ “long-standing policy of denying links between PMCs and the Russian state.”

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that previously, Wagner performed tasks distinct from overt, large-scale regular Russian military activity, so the war in Ukraine marked a significant change from their previous employment.

As Ukrinform reported, since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have eliminated 40,500 Russian troops.