Wagner Chief Prigozhin Killed: Putin Orders Oath of Allegiance for Mercenaries
In a shocking turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the infamous Wagner mercenaries, was killed in a plane crash near Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the incident by ordering all Wagner mercenaries to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state.
The crash occurred on Friday, leading to speculation about the circumstances surrounding Prigozhin’s death. The Kremlin was quick to deny any involvement, calling claims of their involvement “an absolute lie.” However, many questions remain unanswered, and world leaders are questioning Putin’s role in the incident.
Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has condemned Putin’s actions, describing the downing of the Wagner chief’s plane as a “violent liquidation.” Johnson believes that Putin’s actions demonstrate him transforming into an “Asiatic despot,” committing acts of savagery that are unmatched in recent history.
Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claims to have warned Prigozhin about threats to his life during his troops’ mutinous march on Moscow in June. Prigozhin reportedly shrugged off the warning, saying, “To hell with it – I will die.”
In response to these developments, Putin has signed a decree that requires anyone involved in military or Ukraine-related work to swear a formal oath of allegiance to Russia. The oath includes a commitment to strictly follow the orders of commanders and senior leaders.
The move is seen as an attempt by Putin to strengthen the loyalty and commitment of the Wagner mercenaries, who have been active in conflicts around the world on behalf of the Russian state. The decree, published on the Kremlin website, aims to forge the spiritual and moral foundations of those carrying out work on behalf of Russia.
The death of Prigozhin and the subsequent order for an oath of allegiance has raised concerns about the nature of the Wagner group and its activities. The mercenaries, often referred to as a private military company, have been involved in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Africa, leading to accusations of human rights abuses and violations of international law.
As investigations into Prigozhin’s death continue, the international community will be closely watching the actions and motivations of Putin and the Wagner group. The incident has once again highlighted the complex and controversial role of private military contractors in global conflicts.