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

The UK Ministry of Defense reported the information.

The Russian Guard is involving three former airborne assault units of the Wagner PMC, namely the 15th, 16th and 17th units, in the first volunteer corps. On December 25, 2023, Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a law granting the Russian Guard the right to form its own volunteer units.

The Russian Guard is likely to deploy its new volunteer units to Ukraine and Africa. They offer volunteers contracts for 6 months to serve in Ukraine and 9 months in Africa.

"The incorporation of former Wagner PMC assault detachments into Rosgvardia’s (Russian Guard) Volunteer Corps highly likely indicates that Wagner has been successfully subordinated to Rosgvardia, increasing the Russian state’s command and control over the Wagner Group," the intelligence suggests.

• In order to expand its influence in Africa, Russia plans to create a mercenary army of 20,000 servicemen to replace Wagner mercenaries.