Russia strengthening Wagner Group, aiming to capturing Bakhmut - ISW

That’s according to the Institute for the Study of War, Ukrinform reports.

In their update as of April 16, analysts point out that the Russian defense ministry took the step despite the obvious conflict with the group run by Yevgeny Prigozhin, Minister Shoigu’s critic.

"The Russian MoD is seeking to work more closely with the Wagner Group in order to complete the capture of Bakhmut, despite obvious tensions between Prigozhin and the traditional MoD establishment," the report said.

The ISW points out that the mercenaries also have at their disposal T-90 tanks, which indicates that the Russian leadership has provided the Group with more modern assets in their effort to take the town.

Analysts also emphasize that Prigozhin has recently become less likely to publicly slam the Russian leadership over war failures.

At the same time, the report notes that the Wagner Group returned 130 Ukrainian prisoners of war on April 16, which indicates that the force could carry out the exchange independently of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The report suggests that Wagner may be trying to force mobilized Russian servicemen to sign contracts with Prigozhin's group, likely in an attempt to compensate for losses incurred in Ukraine.