Ukraine: Russia's Wagner Group recruiting those 'suffering from serious diseases'
A mercenary group with close ties to Russia has apparently admitted to dropping its recruitment standards.
According to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD), Russian mogul Yevgeny Prigozhin posted online, admitting his private military company "was recruiting Russian convicts suffering from serious diseases including HIV and hepatitis C".
"The admission of prisoners with serious medical concerns highlights an approach which now prioritises numbers over experience or quality," the MOD said in an update on Twitter.
"The role of Wagner Group has evolved significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"In previous conflicts, it maintained relatively high recruitment standards, with many of its operators having previously served as professional Russian soldiers."
Watch: What is the private military company Wagner Group?
The MOD also said Mr Prigozhin "recently discussed plans to create a 200km long defensive 'Wagner Line' in eastern Ukraine".
"This endeavour would require a large labour force," the MOD said.
"There is a realistic possibility that some of the convict recruits will initially be put to work constructing the defences."
It comes after Russia moved large numbers of sick and wounded comrades from hospitals in southern Ukraine's Kherson region.
The Moscow-appointed authorities were reported to have abandoned the city, joining tens of thousands of residents who fled to other Russian-held areas ahead of an expected advance by Ukrainian forces.
Russia's Ministry of Defence has also moved to suspend a UN-brokered grain export deal which has seen more than 9,000,000 tons exported from Ukraine and brought down global food prices.
The ministry cited an alleged Ukrainian drone attack against Russia's Black Sea Fleet ships moored off the coast of occupied Crimea, which Russia says took place early on Saturday, as the reason for the move.
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