Former Wagner Commander Appointed by Putin to Lead 'Volunteer Units' in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a top commander of the Wagner military contractor, Andrei Troshev, to take charge of "volunteer units" fighting in Ukraine, indicating the Kremlin's intention to continue using mercenaries in the region. The move comes after the death of Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and the group's brief mutiny in June. Speculation about the future of the mercenary group has been rife, with many expecting it to be folded into the Defense Ministry. The meeting between Putin and Troshev suggests that Wagner mercenaries will likely serve under the Defense Ministry's command.