- Former members of the infamous Russian mercenary group, Wagner Group, are being integrated into Russia’s national guard, Rosgvardia, potentially indicating upcoming deployments to Ukraine or Africa.
- Rosgvardia, known as Putin’s “private army,” now has heavy weaponry and is expanding its presence in Russian-held regions of Ukraine.
- The integration of the Wagner Group into Rosgvardia solidifies Russia’s control over the mercenary organization and strengthens their command and control over brutal tactics used in conflict zones like Africa.
Additional Coverage:
- Ex-Wagner mercenaries may be heading back to Ukraine, but this time with Russia’s National Guard, intel says (businessinsider.com)
Former members of the Wagner Group, a notorious Russian mercenary organization, are being integrated into Russia’s national guard, known as Rosgvardia. Western intelligence suggests that these fighters may soon be deployed to Ukraine or Africa. This move is part of Moscow’s ongoing efforts to exert control over the Wagner Group. Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized Rosgvardia to form volunteer arrangements, and three former Wagner assault groups are now being integrated into the national guard’s Volunteer Corps. Rosgvardia is reportedly offering these volunteers contracts for service in Ukraine and Africa, highlighting Russia’s expanding presence in these regions.
Rosgvardia, created in 2016 and often referred to as Putin’s “private army,” reports directly to the Russian president. During a rebellion by the Wagner Group in June, Rosgvardia did little to stop the armed columns from entering Russia. As a result, they requested armored vehicles and military equipment from Putin to enhance border security. In August, a law was enacted allowing Rosgvardia to be equipped with heavy weaponry, including artillery and attack helicopters, signaling the Kremlin’s commitment to strengthening the national guard.
This development is part of Rosgvardia’s expanding role, which now includes establishing a presence in Russian-held regions of Ukraine. It allows Moscow to exert control over occupied territories without relying solely on front-line troops. It also marks another setback for the Wagner Group, transitioning from an independent fighting force in Ukraine to being absorbed by the Russian state. The mercenaries were notorious for their brutal tactics and played a significant role in the battle for Bakhmut, resulting in numerous casualties.
Following failed mutinies and the death of the group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Kremlin has sought greater control over the Wagner Group, particularly in Africa, where they operated as an extension of Russian influence. The mercenaries have been accused of committing atrocities and human rights violations in various African countries. In fact, a newly formed Russian military unit called the Africa Corps, with a Nazi-inspired name, is actively recruiting former Wagner fighters for combat missions across the continent. The integration of the Wagner Group into the national guard further strengthens Russia’s command and control over this ruthless mercenary organization.