During the recent offensive on Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, Russia was reported to have deployed units of the African Corps, controlled by the Russian Defense Ministry, in addition to regular troops and Storm Z assault units. According to intelligence reports cited by the British Ministry of Defense, the African Corps, established in December 2023, consists of over 2,000 soldiers and officers, including seasoned mercenaries who have previously served in the Wagner Group. It is believed that these units may have been deployed to Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the past.
The British intelligence suggests that the African Corps may have been moved to the Ukrainian border in April 2024 in anticipation of the offensive, with resources potentially diverted from operations in Africa to support the military campaign against Ukraine. This aligns with previous reports indicating Russia’s efforts to increase its influence in African countries, as noted by the Institute for the Study of War earlier this year.
Overall, the deployment of the African Corps alongside regular Russian forces and Storm Z units in the offensive on Vovchansk raises concerns about the extent of Russia’s military capabilities and strategic intentions in the region. This development underscores the complex and evolving nature of the conflict in Ukraine, with implications that extend beyond the immediate battlefield to include broader geopolitical considerations and regional dynamics.
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https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3867465-russian-forces-employ-africa-corps-in-vovchansk-offensive-british-intel.html