The UK analysts discussed Russia’s military-manning crisis in their latest intelligence update on the war in Ukraine, published on Twitter on Friday.
Russia’s Wagner Group recruits convicts for service in Ukraine
British officials noted that “Kremlin-linked Russian private military company Wagner Group has been conducting a campaign to recruit Russian convicts for service in Ukraine since at least July. Prisoners have been offered commutation of their sentences as well as cash incentives.”
According to the British Ministry of Defence, “This has been reinvigorated, with recently posted video highly likely showing Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin making a recruitment pitch to prisoners. In the video, Prigozhin emphasises that he is only seeking ‘fighters for assault units’.”
Meanwhile. British broadcaster the BBC reported that after the video went viral, the Wagner owner defended the idea of sending convicts to fight in Ukraine.
Prigozhin said in a statement posted on social media: “"It's either private military companies and prisoners, or your children - decide for yourself."
Moscow shortens training for cadets
At the same time, the UK analysts noted, “Russian military academies are shortening training courses and bringing cadets graduation dates forwards. This is almost certainly so cadets can be deployed to support the Ukraine operation.”
Russia probably lacks combat infantry, junior officers
According to the British Ministry of Defence, “The impact of Russia's manpower challenge has become increasingly severe.”
The UK analysts assessed: “The acceleration of officer cadets’ training, and Wagner’s demand for assault troops suggests that two of the most critical shortages within the military manning crisis are probably combat infantry and junior commanders.”
Friday is day 205 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Source: UK Ministry of Defence, bbc.com