UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 420 - APRIL 17, 2023

The financier of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, seems to be back in favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is probably due to the fact that the Russian conventional military was unable to fulfill the tasks that Putin had set for them during the winter offensive in the Donbass.

The Wagner forces seem to be receiving reinforcements, ammunition, and political recognition - a clear departure from the Kremlin's previous efforts to distance themselves from the Wagner forces and Prigozhin in Bakhmut at least since January 2023. Wagner-affiliated sources announced on April 17 that Wagner is training up to three motorized rifle brigades of mobilized personnel to reinforce Wagner's flanks in Bakhmut. Prigozhin also confirmed that Russian airborne troops (VDV) are operating alongside Wagner and indicated that Wagner is actively receiving artillery shells. Prigozhin advocated for Wagner to receive more artillery shells, suggesting that Prigozhin has restored his ammunition supply through the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The Russian State Duma will also consider amendments to the Russian law on veterans' rights to grant veteran status to private military companies and volunteers. Prigozhin has consistently advocated for Wagner employees to be recognized as participants in the "special military operation" in Ukraine, and the passage of this bill would mean that Prigozhin's position within the Kremlin's inner circle has improved.

An interview with two former Wagner Group fighters about their treatment of Ukrainian children and other civilians and prisoners of war (POWs) illustrates how the Wagner Group has institutionalized systematic brutality as part of their basic modus operandi.

The complete Russian Offensive Update 420 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

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