The Moscow Times published on 30 August 2024 an article titled "Russian Mercenaries Pulled Out of Burkina Faso to Defend Kursk - Commander" by Anna Smolchenko and Didier Lauras for AFP.
Russia has pulled an estimated 100 soldiers from about 300 of its Bear Brigade in Burkina Faso to join Russian forces in the defense of Kursk from Ukraine. Analysts say this departure will have little impact on the security situation in Burkina Faso as the mercenaries were focused on training and providing security for Burkina's political leadership. One analyst said members of the Bear Brigade are volunteers who had signed a contract with Russia's GRU military intelligence service and are being coordinated by the Africa Corps, which has replaced the Wagner Group.
