The continued presence of fewer than 1,000 Russian Wagner mercenaries in Belarus benefits Russia’s war effort by compelling Ukraine to maintain defensive positions and personnel along its northern border to protect against potential further incursions, according to the latest UK Defense Ministry’s intelligence report of Feb. 4.
Several hundred Wagner Group mercenaries continue to operate in Belarus, engaging in training activities for the country's internal troops and armed forces, the monitoring group Belaruski Hahyun reported on Telegram on Jan. 10.