 Wagner mercenaries remain in Belarus for possible attack on Ukraine. British intelligence, fewer than 1,000 militants from the Wagner Private Military Company remain in Belarus. This plays into the hands of the Kremlin and has an impact on Ukraine, reports the UK Ministry of Defence. It is highly likely that fewer than 1,000 Russian Wagner mercenaries remain in Belarus. They have been present in the country since June 2023, at which point there were 8,000 Wagner mercenaries, the message says. British intelligence notes that the Wagnerians continue to train Belarusian military personnel. It is unlikely that the leader of the Belarusian regime, Alexander Lukashenko, will use Wagner mercenaries beyond their competence. Most likely the militants are involved in preparing the forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but are unlikely to be associated with internal or border security in Belarus. The continued presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus almost certainly also benefits Russia's war effort by compelling Ukraine to maintain defensive positions and personnel along its northern border with Belarus to protect against potential future incursions, emphasises British intelligence. UK Defence Intelligence also analysed data indicating that Russia no longer offers short-term military service contracts to prisoners, a change attributed to recruitment challenges in the armed forces.