UK intelligence explains reason for 1,000 Wagner Group mercenaries' presence in Belarus

The UK Ministry of Defense reported the information.

According to experts, Wagner mercenaries have been oerating in Belarus since June 2023, initially numbering around 8,000. It is highly likely that these mercenaries are persistently involved in training the Belarusian military and security forces.

At the same time, British intelligence notes that it is unlikely that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will use Wagner PMC fighters beyond their current powers.

Mercenaries are involved in training the Belarusian Interior Ministry troops, but are unlikely to be directly involved in maintaining internal or border security in the country.

“The continued presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus almost certainly benefits Russia’s war effort by compelling Ukraine to maintain defensive positions and personnel along its northern border with Belarus to protect from potential future incursions,” British intelligence emphasizes.

• British intelligence suggests Russian state's growing control over Wagner PMC