Wagner’s role growing as russia struggles for cannon fodder

According to a British Defense Intelligence update:

“Since March, Russian private military company (PMC) Wagner Group has operated in eastern Ukraine in coordination with the Russian military. Wagner has likely been allocated responsibility for specific sectors of the front line, in a similar manner to normal army units.

“This is a significant change from the previous employment of the group since 2015, when it typically undertook missions distinct from overt, large-scale regular Russian military activity.

“This new level of integration further undermines the Russian authorities’ long-standing policy of denying links between PMCs and the Russian state.

“Wagner’s role has probably changed because the Russian MoD has a major shortage of combat infantry, however, Wagner forces are highly unlikely to be sufficient to make a significant difference in the trajectory of the war.”