Russia seeks to develop alternative PMCs to replace Wagner Group – UK intel

04.04.2023 10:02

Ukrinform

Russia is likely seeking to sponsor and develop alternative private military companies (PMCs) to eventually replace the Wagner Group PMC in its significant combat role in Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom on Twitter, referring to the latest Defence Intelligence update, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to the UK intelligence, this takes place in the context of the high-profile feud between the Russian Ministry of Defence and Wagner Group.

“Russia’s military leadership likely wants a replacement PMC that it has more control over,” the report states.

However, no other known Russian PMC currently approaches Wagner’s size or combat power.

Russia likely sees continued utility for PMCs in Ukraine because they are less constrained by the limited pay levels and inefficiency which hamper the effectiveness of the regular army.

Russia’s leadership probably believe heavy casualties amongst PMCs will be better tolerated by Russian society compared to regular military losses, the UK Ministry of Defence noted.