UK Intel: Russia moves to integrate Wagner Group into National Guard

The Russian National Guard, Rosgvardia, is incorporating three former Wagner Group assault detachments into its new Volunteer Corps formation, according to a UK defence intelligence update on Thursday. This indicates that Russia is continuing processes to assimilate the Wagner private military company, a process that was launched following Wagner's unsuccessful 2023 coup and subsequent assassination of Wagner leader Prigozhin. The update states that on 25 December 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law authorizing Rosgvardia to establish its own volunteer units. The UK Ministry of Defence assessment says that Rosgvardia will likely deploy its new volunteer detachments to both Ukraine and Africa. Rosgvardia is reportedly offering Wagner volunteers six-month contracts for Ukraine and nine-month deals for Africa. Per the intelligence update, the incorporation of former Wagner assault detachments into Rosgvardia's Volunteer Corps indicates the Wagner Group has been successfully subordinated to official Russian control. This increases the Kremlin's command and control over the mercenary force, UK intelligence concludes.