Insights into the Ukrainian conflict: Mercenaries, Militias, and Russian Troops.
Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmut are hopeful that regular Russian troops will replace Wagner Group forces, as they are easier to fight due to their youth and inexperience. The Wagner Group's leader announced last week that his soldiers would withdraw after Russia claimed full control of the city. Ukrainian troops are bracing for a changing Russian presence in Bakhmut, with a potential plan for "semi-encirclement" of the city and even retaking it after the Wagner withdrawal.