British Ministry reveals former Wagner Group units now part of Russia's National Guard
According to the British Ministry of National Defense, three assault units of the Wagner Group have now been incorporated into the Russian National Guard as part of their volunteer units. This move was enabled by a law that Vladimir Putin signed last December, which allows the Russian National Guard to form volunteer units.
Feb 1, 2024 | updated: 4:32 AM EST, March 7, 2024
According to British intelligence, these new volunteer units are expected to be stationed in Ukraine and Africa. Although unconfirmed, it's also suggested that a service trip to Ukraine typically involves a six-month contract, while service in Africa spans about nine months.
The "Ukrainian Pravda" portal suggests that incorporating the former Wagner assault units into the National Guard Volunteer Corps potentially indicates a successful subordination of Wagner to the National Guard. This step most likely increases the command and control of the Russian state over the Wagner Group.
Decisions made regarding the Wagner Group's future
Following the stopped coup attempt on Moscow, it became apparent that the Kremlin was determined to bring the Wagner Group mercenaries under its control. Putin subsequently vowed to hold all those responsible for the revolt accountable. With Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group's figurehead, meeting an untimely end in a plane crash, the future of the mercenaries seemed uncertain.
Nevertheless, although under new regulations, the paramilitary group has continued its operations. The relevance of the Wagner Group has notably decreased. Several fighters opted to relocate and operate in Africa, while others returned to the Ukrainian frontlines. They continue to fight in Ukraine under contracts with the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, and the private military company PMC "Redut".
As of the end of last October, Yevgeny Prigozhin's son, Pavel, assumed control of the Wagner Group, according to reports. "Nothing has changed - the attributes, symbolism, and we still recruit those with prior combat experience, including those from private military companies," the group's representatives at the time reported.
It appears that Putin's retribution for the coup has been successful, with only a few units and traces of the Wagner Group left. Today, the group virtually does not exist.
