Putin says Wagner Group ‘does not exist’ after short-lived mutiny

By India Today World Desk: Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned on Thursday (native time) the Wagner Group, which launched a short revolt in opposition to Moscow final month, mentioned the non-public mercenary group “simply does not exist” as a authorized entity.

On June 23, Prizoghin, whose forces fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, led a dramatic revolt in Russia, sweeping the southern metropolis of Rostov-on-Don and capturing the army headquarters. He staged a march to Moscow in what he described as a “march of justice” to oust the Russian army management.

Prigozhin claimed his troops had come inside 200 kilometres of Moscow when he ordered them to cease the advance underneath the deal brokered by Belarusian chief Lukashenko.

In an interview with Russian newspaper Kommersant, Putin mentioned he had given the prospect to Wagner fighters to proceed serving after their revolt ended abruptly.

The Russian chief’s feedback got here after a Kremlin assembly was held, which was attended by 35 Wagner commanders, together with the group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, CNN reported.

In that assembly, Putin mentioned he gave the fighters “an assessment of what they had done on the battlefield” and “showed them possible options for their further service, including the use of their combat experience”.

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As per Russian legislation, he mentioned, non-public army organisations, together with Wagner, are unlawful, The Moscow Times reported.

“There’s such a group, but legally it doesn’t exist (and) it’s a separate issue related to legalisation that should be discussed in the State Duma and the government,” Putin said.

Earlier this week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who acted as a mediator between Putin and Prigozhin, offered to invite Wagner fighters in his country to “prepare” the armed forces.

But the Wagner chief declined the provide, Putin mentioned, including that some fighters did need to go to Belarus.

Putin’s feedback got here after a former US army official claimed that Prigozhin was both lifeless or in jail after the failed mutiny in opposition to the Kremlin.

ALSO READ | Russia says Putin met with Wagner chief days after abortive mutiny