Russia looking to develop replacement for Wagner Group in Ukraine, MOD says
Russia is likely looking to "sponsor and develop" alternative companies to eventually replace the Wagner Group in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence has said.
In the latest defence intelligence update, the MOD said Russia was looking at "alternative private companies" to the mercenary group.
"This takes place in the context of the high-profile feud between the Russian Ministry of Defence and Wagner Group," the MOD said.
"Russia's military leadership likely wants a replacement PMC (private military company) that it has more control over.
"However, no other known Russian PMC currently approaches Wagner's size or combat power.
"Russia likely sees continued utility for PMCs in Ukraine because they are less constrained by the limited pay levels and inefficiency which hamper the effectiveness of the regular army.
"Russia's leadership probably believe heavy casualties amongst PMCs will be better tolerated by Russian society compared to regular military losses."
The MOD previously said the Russian MOD had released a video of defence minister Sergei Shoigu visiting the frontline, in response to a trip to the frontline from the head of the Wagner Group.
The MOD has also previously said thousands of Russian convicts who have fought for the Wagner Group are set to be released and pardoned.
In an earlier defence update, the MOD said Wagner prisoner recruitment "peaked in autumn 2022", with their sentences being commuted after six months of service in Ukraine.
"Although approximately half of the prisoners recruited have likely been killed or wounded, evidence from Russia suggests the group is following through on its promise to free survivors," the MOD said.
The Wagner Group is controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin, an oligarch with reportedly close links to President Putin, and has been used by Russia throughout their invasion of Ukraine.
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