Presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus compels Ukraine to maintain defensive positions to protect from potential future incursions – British Intelligence

19:22, 05.02.2024 1 min read

The continued presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus almost certainly also benefits Russia’s war effort by compelling Ukraine to maintain defensive positions and personnel along its northern border with Belarus to protect from potential future incursions, the British Intelligence believe.

At the same time, a report published on Sunday on the social network X of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland notes that it is highly likely that fewer than 1,000 Russian Wagner mercenaries remain in Belarus, their duties include training the Belarusian military and security forces.

British intelligence adds that the unrecognized president of Belarus is unlikely to use Wagner fighters outside their current competence.

“They are involved in the training of Ministry of Interior troops but are highly unlikely to participate directly in maintaining domestic or border security in Belarus,” the message reads.