The Russian private military company the Wagner Group is operating in eastern Ukraine, with its mercenaries being diverted away from operations elsewhere to help support the Russian army, according to the latest Ministry of Defence intelligence update.

It said Russia was expected to deploy more than a thousand mercenaries, including senior leaders of the organisation, to undertake combat operations.

In its regular update the MoD said: “Due to heavy losses and a largely stalled invasion, Russia has highly likely been forced to reprioritise Wagner personnel for the Ukraine at the expense of operations in Africa and Syria.”

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 28 March 2022

Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/LGcaASzEkJ

🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/qWJcREPqRN

Earlier this month the Ukraine military said there had been clashes near Kyiv with members of the private military company Liga, formerly known as Wagner.

The group is believed to be funded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman with close links to Vladimir Putin.

The group has been accused by Western governments and analysts of human rights abuses in Africa and involvement in the conflicts in Syria and Libya.

Read more: Putin’s private army – what is the Wagner group?

Roman Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators were reportedly victims of poisoning – but US casts doubt

Roman Abramovich peace talks: Just how involved is the Chelsea owner in Ukraine-Russia negotiations?

Ukraine live news: Biden denies calling for Russian regime change; Abramovich had ‘peeling skin’ after suspected poisoning; Troops ‘liberate’ Irpin

The Wagner Group gained prominence in 2014, when it was fighting with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Mr Prigozhin has always denied any connection with Wagner, while the Russian government denies any involvement with the group while also maintaining it does not legally exist because private military contractors are illegal in Russia.

In 2016 Sky News correspondent John Sparks spoke to two men who said they had been recruited into the group to fight in Syria.

They said for the equivalent of £3,000 a month, they were thrown into pitch battles and firefights with rebel factions – including Islamic State.

Sky News found the company has recruited hundreds of men online, by posting temporary advertisements in military-themed chat rooms on one popular Russian website.

Related posts:

Indian activist arrested ‘illegally’ over farmers protest support UK sanctions three Myanmar generals after military coup Baguette to battle for cultural protection as bakers warn of ‘imposter’ threat UN asks for proof that missing Dubai princess is alive Towns cut off and 18,000 people evacuated as downpours intensify in Australia Five people missing and ‘extreme threat’ declared after explosion at German industrial park North Korea restores communications hotline with South after a year EU regulator authorises Pfizer COVID jab for children aged five to 11 COVID cases in South Africa surge – and there is a ‘high probability’ many are linked to new variant Russia gave the order to clear Chernobyl – now Ukraine hopes it won’t be used to invade Israeli president urges more countries to join Abraham Accords during visit to United Arab Emirates One million refugees have fled Ukraine and some mothers are leaving children at border to go and fight – UNHCR