Displaying items by tag: Wagner mercenaries

Ukraine has criticised Mali's decision to sever diplomatic ties, calling it short-sighted and hasty. This decision followed comments from Ukraine's military spy agency about the recent clashes in northern Mali, where Tuareg rebels claimed responsibility for killing 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. This was Wagner's most significant defeat since assisting Mali's military against insurgent groups two years ago. Ukraine denied involvement, stating no evidence was provided. After the spy agency mentioned that rebels had received ‘necessary’ information for the attack, Mali interpreted this as an admission of Ukraine's involvement, condemning it as a violation of sovereignty and support for terrorism. Senegal summoned Ukraine’s ambassador over related accusations. These events occur amid deteriorating relations between the West and Sahel nations, which have expelled French and US forces and turned to Russian mercenaries for security following recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

More Russian soldiers are dying this month than at any time since the invasion. 824 Russian losses a day is over four times the rate reported in June and July. The Ukrainian military claims 137,780 Russian military deaths since the invasion began. The UK's MoD said recent increases could be due to lack of trained personnel and resources. See Pray for God to comfort Russian and Ukrainian families who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Also Wagner’s boss said his mercenary group is facing difficulties and will soon decrease in size as his political influence in the Kremlin wanes. The recruitment of prisoners to Wagner ranks has stopped, therefore the number of its units will decrease. Several prominent human rights groups have said the ministry of defence has now taken over Wagner’s role of recruiting inmates - effectively depriving the group of its main source of manpower.

Russia has not taken a key position for months, despite intense efforts to achieve military gains. Wagner claims to have Russian mercenaries in control of a Soledar salt mine. But the regular Russian armed forces and Moscow defence ministry say the battle is still going on, hinting of a rift in pro-Russian forces. Ukraine also says there is still fighting there. Soledar’s deep salt mines could be used to position troops and equipment while being protected from Ukrainian missiles, and the tunnel network could be used to penetrate Ukrainian-controlled territory. The salt and gypsum mines provide sources of revenue for whoever works them. Wagner mercenaries have previously taken control of valuable African mining resources. Soledar’s battle is just one in a campaign that is not going well for Putin. If Russia seize Soledar the course of the war could change and Putin gain a propaganda win to present to his critics.