Vladimir Putin Ally Yevgeny Prigozhin Seen in Underwear in Wagner Group Field Camp
A shocking photo of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin turned mutineer, has emerged, leaving many questions unanswered. The photo, released by a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel, shows Prigozhin sitting awkwardly on a cot in his underwear, seemingly waving at the camera. The channel claims that the photo was taken on Wednesday, marking the first visual confirmation of Prigozhin’s activities since his violent uprising against the Russian military last month.
While there is no immediate way to verify the claim, some speculate that the photo may have been deliberately leaked to counter ongoing smear campaigns against Prigozhin in Kremlin-controlled media. Belarusian media reported that the photo was taken inside a newly constructed field camp for Wagner fighters in the town of Osipovichi, where the group is now training Belarusian troops in their ruthless tactics. Flight records allegedly show Prigozhin’s private jet arriving in Belarus on Monday evening.
According to Reuters, Wagner fighters had already arrived in the area as early as Tuesday. The Belarusian Defense Ministry confirmed that training was underway, stating that “classes are being held with units from the territorial troops” and that Wagner fighters were acting as instructors in various military disciplines.
The fate of the Wagner Group has been the subject of speculation since late June, when Prigozhin and his men evaded punishment after shooting down military helicopters and killing Russian service members during their armed uprising. Initially, it was unclear if Prigozhin would be allowed to move to Belarus, but the Kremlin eventually confirmed his relocation. However, President Putin, who had recently admitted that Moscow financed the mercenary army, now claims that the group “does not exist.”
In a meeting on June 29 with Prigozhin and Wagner commanders, Putin reportedly proposed an alternative leadership arrangement, but Prigozhin rejected the idea. Kremlin’s attempts to lure Wagner fighters away from Prigozhin have seemingly caused a rebellion within the regular Russian military. Dozens of high-ranking officers have been detained, a prominent general has disappeared, and a top general was dismissed for accusing military leaders of covering up failures on the battlefield.
When asked about the rebellion in the ranks, the Kremlin declined to comment. The situation surrounding Prigozhin and the Wagner Group continues to unfold, leaving observers questioning the true extent of Prigozhin’s influence and the repercussions within Russia’s military hierarchy.