Russia bolsters National Guard resources amid internal security turmoil — UK intelligence

The UK Ministry of Defense reported the information.

The report highlighted that since October 2023, the Russian National Guard has incorporated units of the private military company Wagner. Additionally, on January 3, 2024, the Vostok battalion from the so-called “DPR” (Donetsk People's Republic) was integrated into these forces.

British intelligence also added that Russia is making efforts to dissolve the Kaskad group, which specializes in drone operations, in order to subordinate it to the National Guard.

In addition, in July 2023, the Russian State Duma authorized the Russian National Guard to use heavier weapons.

"New capabilities, along with its augmentation with experienced veterans from other groups, will likely represent a significant increase in combat effectiveness," British intelligence notes.

• As early as November 2023, reports indicated that large units of Wagner PMC were likely to have been assimilated into the Russian National Guard command structure and resumed active recruitment. This unit is likely headed by Pavel Prigozhin, the son of Wagner’s late owner Yevgeny Prigozhin.