Russia Moves to Regulate Private Armies in Ukraine

A new Russian law has been enacted to bring private armies fighting for Moscow in Ukraine under governmental control. All volunteer units are required to sign contracts by July 1, which would place them under the supervision of the Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, offering them the same benefits as regular troops. 

Key Points: 

1. The Russian law is intended to regulate private armies and volunteers fighting in Ukraine, mandating that they sign contracts and come under governmental oversight.
2. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will be in charge of these volunteer units, who will receive the same benefits as regular Russian troops if they comply with the new regulations.
3. Chechen units have been involved in various battles in Ukraine, and recently may have been ordered to play a more prominent role in the conflict, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
4. One significant unit, led by Prigozhin, has declined to sign any contracts with Shoigu, criticizing the Defense Ministry’s lack of support for his troops in Ukraine.
5. The Russian deputy chief of the general staff, Colonel General Alexei Kim, expressed hope that other volunteer units would follow the Chechens’ example and sign the agreement.

Continue reading at https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/12/chechen-forces-sign-contract-with-russia-after-wagners-refusal