Former mercenaries from the Wagner Group are being transferred to various russian units and redirected towards the Bakhmut direction. This move is described as a “psychological operation" and the number of these fighters is relatively small, with limited capabilities to undertake significant tasks, according to Ilya Yevlash, the Head of the Press Service for the Operational Command East.
Ilya Yevlash clarified, “There seems to be some misunderstanding. Many believe they are entering Bakhmut as a consolidated unit. That’s not the case. Primarily, this is a psychological strategy.”
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Ilya Yevlash reminded that, according to the commander of the Ground Forces, Oleksandr Syrskii, the Wagner Group has been defeated. Their remnants were in Belarus on a base, which is currently being disbanded. Since the mercenaries can no longer stay in Belarus, they are signing contracts with the russian army and taking various positions, from military roles to instructors.
Ilya Yevlash noted that there are currently around half a thousand Wagner fighters in the Bakhmut direction, but these numbers may change. They are insufficient to change the situation on the frontlines, and they are unable to carry out tasks such as the occupation of Bakhmut.
Ilya Yevlash also believes that they may be redeployed to the hottest areas of the front in order to dispose of them.
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