Putin signs amnesty decree for Wagner military who fight against Ukraine for six months - British intelligence

This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense on Twitter.

British intelligence suggests that thousands of Russian convicts who have fought for Wagner Group are likely to be pardoned and released in the coming weeks. Wagner prisoner recruitment peaked in autumn 2022, when inmates being offered commutation of their sentences after six months of service.

Although approximately half of the prisoners recruited were likely killed or wounded, evidence from Russia suggests that the group is keeping its promise to free the survivors. The certificates issued to the released Wagner veterans claimed to have been endorsed by the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"With Wagner now likely banned from recruiting more prisoners, this exodus will worsen its personnel problems. In addition, the sudden influx of often violent offenders with recent and often traumatic combat experience will likely present a significant challenge to Russia’s war-time society," the British intelligence concluded.

• On March 13, British intelligence said that after a ban on recruiting prisoners, Wagner's PMC began looking for mercenaries in sports centers and high schools.