Post-war service – prisoners as Wagner mercenary problem for Russia

When they were recruited from prisons as part of a surge in Russian troops, the Wagner veterans were given the prospect of having their prison sentences lifted after six months of military service.

High blood toll among recruited Wagner prisoners
Since recruitment of Wagner prisoners peaked last autumn, the British say the six-month period is now coming to an end for many of those affected – with about half of them killed or injured in combat, according to British information.

Traumatized ex-mercenaries are at risk for Russian society
The sudden admission of often violent ex-offenders with war traumas will pose a major challenge to wartime Russian society, London sources say.

The personnel shortage among the Russian troops is increasing
In addition, the shortage of personnel in the Russian troops will increase, as Wagner is no longer allowed to recruit in prisons. According to the information, this had previously been done with the permission of the Russian leadership.

The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, citing intelligence information. With this, the British government wants to both counter the Russian image and keep allies in line. Moscow, in turn, accuses London of a disinformation campaign.