Wagner Group mercenaries are likely to be threatened with 'summary execution', MOD intelligence says
In its latest situational report about the war in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence noted that Wagner Group recruits face "summary execution" and are seen as "expendable" by senior commanders.
The update says that the Russian military proxy group continues to lose vast numbers of its troops in the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut.
In an update posted on Twitter, the MOD said: "Individual fighters are likely issued a smartphone or tablet which shows the individual's designated axis of advance and assault objective superimposed on commercial satellite imagery.
"At platoon level and above, commanders likely remain in cover and give orders over radios, informed by video feeds from small uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
"Individuals and sections are ordered to proceed on the preplanned route, often with fire-support, but less often alongside armoured vehicles.
"Wagner operatives who deviate from their assault routes without authorisation are likely being threatened with summary execution.
"These brutal tactics aim to conserve Wagner's rare assets of experienced commanders and armoured vehicles, at the expense of the more readily available convict-recruits, which the organisation assesses as expendable."
The intelligence report also adds that in recent months, Wagner mercenaries had developed offensive tactics to make use of the large number of poorly trained convicts it has recruited.
This latest MOD intelligence update was published as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will use a trip to the Baltic region to urge fellow leaders to stand firm in their support for Ukraine, as he pledges a new stream of defensive aid to guard against Russian aggression.
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