Russia deploys Wagner soldiers to Avdiivka? 0
(Dan Tri) – Ukrainian intelligence sources said that Russia is deploying private military force Wagner near the city of Avdiivka, Eastern Ukraine, not long after taking control of this city.
Former soldier Wagner is said to have returned to the Donbass battlefield, Eastern Ukraine (Screenshot: RT).
Deputy Director of the Main Intelligence Department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Major General Vadym Skibitsky, said on February 25 that Russia had just established a volunteer army of up to 18,000 people, including former Wagner mercenaries.
`This army consists entirely of former Wagner mercenaries and is operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense. This force is operating in the Avdiivka area,` Mr. Skibitsky shared with Interfax.
Last weekend, Russia announced that it had taken control of the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk province (Eastern Ukraine) after months of fierce fighting.
The Ukrainian army estimates that about 47,000 Russian soldiers were killed and wounded in the battle in Avdiivka.
Mr. Skibitskyi said that Russia deployed Wagner soldiers here because this force has combat experience.
`In terms of salary, Wagner soldiers receive almost the same as members of the Russian armed forces, but Wagner has a higher salary and Wagner highly appreciates their instructors and commanders,` Mr. Skibitskyi said.
Wagner is a private military company founded by tycoon Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Wagner played a key role in Russia’s military campaign in Eastern Ukraine, especially in gaining control of the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk province.
After the failed rebellion in Russia in June, Wagner soldiers were given the choice of either signing a contract with the Russian army, or moving to Belarus or Africa.
After Mr. Prigozhin died in a plane crash last August, Wagner had a new commander.
In early February, the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) said a video statement by Wagner’s new commander Anton Yelizarov implicitly confirmed that the mercenary group had cooperated with the Russian national guard Rosgvardiya.
Yelizarov, who goes by the nickname Lotos, detailed the location of Wagner’s new headquarters at Kozachi Lageri, which translates into English as Camp Cossack, almost certainly in Rostov, where Russia’s 150th Motor Rifle Division is located.
British officials said Rosgvardiya would use the Wagner army to `strengthen Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and expand Russia’s influence in Africa`.
Russia has not yet commented on the above information.
