The British further report that it is almost certain that the mercenaries have played a significant role in recent battles, including the capture of Popasna and Lisichiansk. Many mercenaries were killed in this. It is not clear how many people are involved. It is also not known how many mercenaries are active in Ukraine.
Wagner is said to have lowered the requirements for new mercenaries, which means they are now hiring people who have been convicted or previously blacklisted. New recruits are trained “very limited”. The UK believes the new standard will affect future operations and the value of the Russian military.