[Locke]

Originally Posted by icarus

Putin says Wagner mercenaries can join the regular army, go home or go to Belarus.

Uhhh... I'm not sure I understand the second option (or the third, to be fair).

Firstly, aren't most of these people convicted felons? They can just go home? Wouldn't they all pick this option?

Secondly, Russia is hurting for manpower and is trying to avoid more conscription since the last round saw twice as many men leave the country than join the army. So it's hard to believe they're just going to let the cannon fodder go home.

Sounds like a trap.

Now...I'm no expert in Mercenaries or nuthin' but...isnt it widely known that having a bunch of highly-trained, overly-aggressive 'guns for hire' sitting around idle is usually a very, very bad idea?

Usually you either put these guys into trouble...or they will make some of their own.