Russia's Wagner Group hasdeployeditsmercenariestoeasternUkraine, the U.K.
ministry of defense said Monday, adding that over 1,000 would likely take part in fighting followingRussiansetbacks."RussianPrivate Military Company the Wagner Group hasdeployedtoeasternUkraine," the MoD tweeted."They are expected to deploy more than 1,000mercenaries, including senior leaders of the organization, to undertake combat operations," the ministry said.Reputed to be close to President Vladimir Putin, the Wagner Group and itsmercenariesare suspected of abuses in Mali, Libya and Syria."Due to heavy losses and a largely stalled invasion, Russia has highly likely been forced to reprioritize Wagner personnel for Ukraine at the expense of operations in Africa and Syria," the UK defense ministry said.Britain last week slapped more sanctions onRussianindividuals and entities, including the Wagner Group, over the February 24 invasion of Ukraine.