Global Courant
MINSK, Belarus — The mystery surrounding the fate of the insurgent Russian mercenary Wagner Group deepened Thursday as Belarus’ leader said the fighters and their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, were not in his country, despite the fact that Kremlin said they were in fact exiled there after they marched beyond Moscow.
Prigozhin stirred Russia days ago after launching his mutiny against Kremlin military leaders and mounting a direct confrontation with President Vladimir Putin.
Wagner’s leader said thousands of his fighters marched on Moscow, but they turned back after an apparent deal brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko that would see them leave Russia for his neighboring ally.
Lukashenko said last week that Prigozhin was in Belarus. However, on Thursday, he told a rare press conference that Prigozhin was still in Russia, in his hometown of St. Petersburg, despite the fact that the Kremlin actually said he was exiled.
His mercenaries were still in their “permanent camps” in Russian-controlled territory, Lukashenko added, saying he was still waiting for the Kremlin to ask him to receive the fighters.
Speaking at a world media briefing at the presidential palace in Minsk on Thursday morning, he dismissed the concerns of Belarusians, who are worried about the implications of having thousands of members of the armed group of mercenaries within their borders.
“I absolutely don’t care and don’t worry that a certain number of these fighters will be deployed here,” said Lukashenko, who has portrayed himself as something of a dealmaker in the deal between Prigozhin and Putin.
“The main condition” of Wagner’s possible deployment, he added, “is that if we have to use this unit for the defense of the state, it will be used immediately. Their experience will be in great demand.”
This is an evolving story. Check back later for updates.
Keir Simmons reported from Minsk, Belarus, and Alexander Smith reported from London.
