Title: President Lukashenko Claims Wagner Leader Remains in Russia, Not Belarus
Date: [Date]
MINSK, Belarus – In a rare appearance with reporters, President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko of Belarus contradicted previous statements and stated that the leader of the recent armed rebellion in Russia, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, remains in Russia rather than Belarus. Lukashenko’s latest claim, however, could not be verified.
During the armed mutiny, Lukashenko intervened and struck a deal with Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary company, which resulted in a stand-down of forces and their withdrawal. The agreement included amnesty for Prigozhin’s forces and safe passage to Belarus for the leader himself.
Initially, Lukashenko had claimed that Prigozhin was in Belarus. However, in this recent statement, Lukashenko asserted that Prigozhin is in either St. Petersburg or Moscow, where he reportedly has business operations. Lukashenko’s comments were made in the aftermath of Russia’s most significant political chaos in over two decades, raising questions about the veracity of the information.
Lukashenko further stated that he had spoken to Prigozhin the day before and that Wagner would continue to fulfill its duties to Russia as long as possible. However, Lukashenko admitted uncertainty about what happens next for Prigozhin.
Regarding the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus, Lukashenko claimed they were not in the country and remained in their “permanent camps.” The accuracy of this assertion, however, remains unverified. After the failed mutiny, the Wagner troops reportedly returned to their camps in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine, which is partially occupied and illegally annexed by Russia.
Previously, Lukashenko had offered the Wagner fighters an abandoned military base in Belarus, and satellite images verified by The New York Times showed new structures being built at the location. Nonetheless, Lukashenko seemingly evaded questions regarding the possible presence of Wagner troops in Belarus during the latest press appearance.
Lukashenko indicated that if Wagner units were to be present in Belarus, they could be called upon to defend the country. He emphasized that their agreement to defend Belarus in the event of a war was the primary condition for permitting their relocation to the country. Lukashenko stated, “If we must activate this unit for the defense of the nation, then it will be immediately activated, and their experience will be in high demand.”
By addressing reporters at his presidential palace, Lukashenko appears to be attempting to establish a degree of independence from Moscow while reinforcing his role as a key player in resolving the recent crisis. Despite being perceived by the West as a subordinate under Kremlin control, Lukashenko aims to burnish his image domestically as a leader focused on peace rather than engaging in conflicts abroad.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the claims made by Lukashenko align with the reality on the ground. The whereabouts of Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, along with the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus, require further clarification and verification.
NOTE: Reporting contributed by Anatoly Kurmanaev and Ivan Nechepurenko.