UK Says Russia Deployed Its Private Military Firm To Eastern Ukraine

The UK said Russia's Wagner Group is expected to deploy over 1,000 mercenaries, including its senior leaders, to undertake combat operations in Ukraine.

Russia's Wagner Group has deployed its mercenaries to eastern Ukraine, the UK's ministry of defence said Monday, adding that over 1,000 would likely take part in fighting following Russian setbacks.

"Russian Private Military Company the Wagner Group has deployed to eastern Ukraine," the MoD tweeted.

"They are expected to deploy more than 1,000 mercenaries, including senior leaders of the organisation, to undertake combat operations," the ministry said.

Reputed to be close to President Vladimir Putin, the Wagner Group and its mercenaries are suspected of abuses in Mali, Libya and Syria.