putin intends to "take" Bakhmut by May 9, for this purpose he has again improved relations with Prigozhin - ISW
Wagner militants again receive ammunition
The founder of the so-called Wagner PMC, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, appears to have regained the favor of russian dictator vladimir putin, probably because the regular army failed to meet the challenges of the winter offensive in Donbas, and putin still hopes to take Bakhmut by May 9.
Source. This was stated in a recent report by analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to ISW, several factors point to this. "Wagner" seems to be receiving reinforcements, ammunition and political recognition – despite the fact that until recently the kremlin has demonstrated a completely opposite attitude towards Prigozhin's militants, trying to deplete his forces near Bakhmut since January.
Prigozhin himself stated that his mercenaries are fighting side by side with the regular army of the russian Federation. He also made it clear that Wagner is actively receiving artillery shells, apparently supplied by the russian Defense Ministry.
In addition, the State Duma intends to amend the law and grant veteran status to mercenaries of private military companies and volunteers.
All of this may indicate that Prigozhin's authority in putin's inner circle is once again growing, as the president relies on PMCs to achieve a quick and decisive victory in Bakhmut.
"putin seems to need an immediate victory in Bakhmut ahead of the May 9 Victory Day or the rumored 'Direct Line' scheduled for June – he needs to establish his credibility with his domestic audience," ISW writes.
The fact that putin is establishing relations with Wagner may also indicate that putin hopes to use PMC instructors to train conscripts, mobilized and volunteers.
It is now known that the PMC is already training three motorized rifle brigades of mobilized people to strengthen its forces in Bakhmut.
Background. As reported, Ukrainian prosecutors are working with American prosecutors to seize Wagner's foreign assets.
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