Son of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov fought in Ukraine

According to Wagner’s private army, the son of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov fought alongside their mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin announced on Saturday that Peskov himself had contacted him about the war effort. He therefore advised Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin’s confidant not to send his son to the regular troops of the Defense Ministry. The Wagner boss repeatedly criticizes the soldiers’ poor equipment and inadequate training and leadership.

After three weeks of training, Peskov’s son served under an assumed name as an artilleryman in the disputed Luhansk region, said Prigozhin, who praised the deployment as exemplary. The children of most representatives of the Russian elite shunned the war effort. “The parents hide them,” the 61-year-old complained. The sons would be sent to college, where they would be discharged with the rifle. On the other hand, the children of workers would die in the war.

Prigozhin did not provide evidence of the use of Peskov’s son, who had lived in Britain for a long time and was subject to Western sanctions. Peskow, who is usually quick to respond, did not comment on the news, which was also picked up by state media. Prigozhin said that Peskov tried to persuade his son not to go to war.

No one in the troops knew of the action. “Only I and the head of the cadre service knew about it,” said Prigozhin. “He showed courage and heroism – just like everyone else.” Now Peskow’s son is on vacation after six months of service. Wagner’s boss repeatedly advertises that he treats, equips and pays his fighters better than the regular Russian army does. (sda/dpa)