Belarusian interior minister discusses training with Russian mercenary force

July 24, BPN. Belarus’ interior minister has met with members of Russia’s Wagner private military company to discuss cooperation and training, the ministry has said in a statement.

Ivan Kubrakoŭ and Wagner representatives talked about “interaction” and “the use of certain types of equipment,” the ministry said. It did not name the Wagner officers or specify the equipment.

Kubrakoŭ said the meeting was important to prepare for possible challenges and threats near Belarus’ borders. He said his officers were learning from the “practical experience” of Wagner fighters, who are helping to train Belarusian troops.

The defense ministry announced earlier this month that it signed a road map with the Wagner Group to learn from its experience. A Ukrainian border guard spokesman said there may be about 5,000 Wagner mercenaries in the country. A Belarusian monitoring group estimated the contingent at least 3,500.