Russia deploys several PMCs near Bakhmut: competition and disagreements between them - ISW

This was reported by experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The report notes that the competition between Russian PMCs in Bakhmut is likely to increase.

As an example of this, analysts cite the fact that in a video appeal addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin by personnel of the “Potok” PMC (reportedly one of three volunteer detachments from Russian-state owned energy company Gazprom) claims that Gazprom officials told members of “Potok” that they would be signing contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) but then forced personnel to sign contracts with PMC “Redut.”

One Potok soldier claimed that Gazprom created two other units — “Fakel” and “Plamya,” which were attached to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The report also indicates that the ”Potok” personnel claimed about poor treatment by Wagner fighters who threatened to shoot ”Potok” personnel if they withdrew from the line of contact.

Various sources reported that Potok fighters had left their positions in Bakhmut. The reason for this was cited as a lack of ammunition.

According to ISW, Wagner financier Yevgeny Prigozhin likely views the proliferation of PMCs around Bakhmut as competition, and it appears that the increased prevalence of other private military groups around Bakhmut may be causing substantial friction.