British Intelligence Explains Why 1,000 Wagnerians Are Still In Belarus

• 4.02.2024, 21:39

Russia is still using them.

British intelligence said that less than a thousand militants of the Wagner PMC remain in Belarus. Russia is using them to force Ukraine to strengthen its control along the border with Belarus.

This is stated in the intelligence report of the British Ministry of Defence, published on Sunday, February 4.

British Intelligence noted that the Wagnerites have been in Belarus since June 2023, when their number was 8,000 troops. They continue to train the Belarusian military, according to British Intelligence.

It is noted that the militants are involved in the training of troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus, but they are unlikely to be directly involved in maintaining the internal or border security of the country.

“The continued presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus almost certainly also 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,” the UK MoD added.