July 14, 2023
1 min read

Wagner group ‘simply does not exist’, says Putin

“They could have all gathered in one place and continued to serve,” CNN quoted the Russian leader as saying to the newspaper…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Wagner mercenary group which staged a short-lived rebellion against the country’s military leadership in June, “simply does not exist”.

The President made the remarks to Russian newspaper Kommersant, describing for the first time what was discussed at a Kremlin meeting attended by 35 Wagner commanders, including the group’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, reports CNN.

The meeting took place on June 29, just five days after Wagner fighters launched the short-lived mutiny on June 24.

“On the one hand, at the meeting I gave an assessment of what they had done on the battlefield (in Ukraine), and on the other hand, of what they had done during the events of June 24. 

“Thirdly, I showed them possible options for their further service, including the use of their combat experience. That was it,” Putin was quoted as saying.

When asked if the group would be retained as a fighting unit, the President replied: “Well, Wagner PMC does not exist. We do not have a law for private military organisations. It simply does not exist. There is no such legal entity.

“The group exists, but legally it does not exist. This is a separate issue related to actual legalisation. But this is a question that should be discussed in the State Duma, in the government. It’s not an easy question.”

Putin went on to say that he offered the 35 Wagner commanders multiple employment options, including one under the leadership of their direct commander, who goes by the call sign ‘Sedoy’ (Grey hair) — a man under whom Wagner fighters had fought for the past 16 months.

“They could have all gathered in one place and continued to serve,” CNN quoted the Russian leader as saying to the newspaper. 

“And nothing would have changed for them. They would be led by the same person who has been their real commander all along.”

ALSO READ-Putin held secret talks with Prigozhin after revolt

Previous Story

ESA to lend tracking support for ISRO missions

Next Story

Infosys defers pay hikes

Latest from -Top News

Kenyans put president on notice

Kenya’s fifth president became a remarkably unpopular leader barely two years into his presidency after proposing aggressive tax measures that many saw as a betrayal of his campaign promise to support working-class

World Bank grants South Africa a $1.5 bn loan

Deteriorating rail systems, jammed ports and frequent blackouts have hindered vital industries like mining and auto manufacturing in South Africa, contributing to slow economic growth over the last decade in Africa’s most

Judge halts Trump from dismantling USADF

Congress established USADF as an independent agency in 1980, with the mandate to support economic development initiatives in AfricaXXX In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Washington, DC, has temporarily

BRICS Bank Welcomes Colombia, Uzbekistan

The bank’s Board of Governors approved the accession of the two countries, bringing the total membership to 11….reports Asian Lite News Colombia and Uzbekistan have joined the New Development Bank (NDB), expanding
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Russia ready for dialogue with US on arms control

In February 2023, Russia officially suspended its participation in the

Putin held secret talks with Prigozhin after revolt

The unannounced session took place on July 1, a week