Russian mercenaries previously stationed in Burkina Faso are being redeployed to Russia’s Kursk region to bolster defences against a Ukrainian military offensive, according to a report by Le Monde.
The mercenaries, part of the paramilitary group “Medvedi” (Bears), had been stationed in Burkina Faso since May. However, they are now being withdrawn due to escalating tensions in the Kursk region, underscoring Russia’s apparent shortage of reserves to address multiple fronts effectively.
The Medvedi brigade, which is reportedly linked to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, arrived in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, in May 2024. The unit, comprising around 100 soldiers, was tasked with providing security for key figures in the country, including Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the leader of Burkina Faso’s military junta. Their presence in the West African nation was part of Russia’s broader strategy to expand its influence on the continent.
Despite their initial deployment being planned for a longer duration, the brigade’s mission has been cut short. According to Le Monde, the official reason for their sudden departure, just three months after their arrival, is their involvement in Russia’s defensive efforts in the Kursk region. This area has seen increased military activity since Ukraine launched an offensive on 6 August 2024.
The commander of the Medvedi brigade, Viktor Yermolayev, who operates under the alias “Jedi,” confirmed the redeployment in a communication with Le Monde on 22 August via the encrypted messaging service Telegram. He indicated that the decision to pull out of Burkina Faso was in response to the urgent need to reinforce Russian defences against the Ukrainian advance. Yermolayev stated, “All Russian soldiers are forgetting their problems and uniting to fight the enemy.”
Further details emerged on 27 August when the brigade’s Telegram channel published a message confirming their return to Crimea, where the group is based. The message linked the redeployment directly to recent events in the Kursk region, emphasising the brigade’s role in responding to the intensified military threat.
While the Medvedi group denies any formal affiliation with Russia’s Ministry of Defence, Le Monde notes evidence suggesting otherwise. The publication highlights the involvement of Yunus-bek Yevkurov, the Russian Deputy Defence Minister, in overseeing Russia’s military presence in Africa. On 5 April 2023, Yevkurov visited the Medvedi’s camp in Perevalne, located in Russian-occupied Crimea, where he offered support to the brigade’s leadership. This visit underscores the close ties between the Medvedi group and the Russian military establishment.
Image source: censor.net
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