Putin Asks Wagner Group to Form Volunteer Corps, Return to Combat Duty in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the Wagner Group to establish volunteer units for executing combat missions in Ukraine.

Retired colonel Andrei Troshev, formerly the chief of staff of the Wagner group, has been assigned the responsibility of organizing these volunteer units, TASS reported

During a meeting with Troshev and Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Evkurov, Putin underscored the significance of these units in executing a variety of combat tasks, particularly within the special military operation zone. He recognized Troshev's extensive experience, having served in such a unit for over a year, and emphasized the need to address logistical and operational challenges to ensure the success of combat operations.

Furthermore, Putin proposed a discussion on providing social support for individuals involved in the special military operation. He emphasized that regardless of an individual's status or role in combat missions, the country should guarantee equal social benefits to all those who have served and defended the homeland.

In August, Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, tragically passed away along with several others in a private jet crash north of Moscow. Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner private military company, had earlier defied orders to sign a contract that would place his troops under Defense Ministry command. He also released a video in which he alleged that the Russian government's justifications for invading Ukraine were based on falsehoods.