class=”sc-29f61514-0 kHgAwW”>
That Yevgeny Prigozhin (61), boss of the Wagner mercenary group, does not mince words with the Kremlin, is proven almost daily with harsh accusations and condemnations of Russia’s warfare. The Kremlin tries to ignore the rumblings as much as possible. Finally, the warriors engage in deadly frontline combat. But the war does not go according to plan. Moscow’s nerves are on edge. Now Prigozhin is openly attacked.
Veteran Duma deputy and former army commander Viktor Sobolev (73) calls for a crackdown on Prigozhin’s notorious private army. On Tuesday, Sobolev described the group of mercenaries as an “illegal armed organization” and threatened members with long prison terms. “It is not clear where the Wagner group is registered and what it does,” Sobolev said – warning soldiers who defected to Prigozhin’s mercenaries to face 15 years in prison.
Mutual curses
Prigozhin did not want to be compared to a terrorist organization. Outraged, he denounced Sobolev and urged him to come forward and “show what he is capable of”.
In addition, three masked Wagner paramilitaries released a video in which they obscenely insulted and threatened the Russian career politician and officer – with rape in Red Square.
“We are fighters in Bachmut,” says one who identifies as a conscript. The second man is an ordinary mercenary, the third an ex-convict recruited by Prigozhin’s group. “We want to say to Deputy Sobolev: if you, asshole, stick your nose in and Russia loses the war because of assholes like you, then we must come to Red Square to protect our people and you and people like you in the A* to protect.” *** to f*****. So get the fuck out here, you old bastard.”
Traitor Prigozhin?
War president Vladimir Putin (70) still needs the blundering Wagner boss. Despite recent leaked allegations that Prigozhin wanted to betray Russian positions to Ukraine, experts at the renowned Institute for the Study of War say the Kremlin is unlikely to try to depose the Wagner boss. But the Kremlin is likely preparing measures to discredit Prigozhin as a traitor.
Russian officials have threatened Prigozhin with treason if he continues to blackmail the Defense Ministry. Prigozhin threatened to withdraw from Bakhmut if he did not receive more ammunition. But Putin cannot take any chances as long as Prigozhin commands his mercenary force in the Donbass and holds the lines around Bakhmut.
In addition, Prigozhin runs an independent company and has no official position in the Russian government. Ironically, to wrest control of Wagner from Prigozhin, the Kremlin would have to take control of the group of mercenaries — from whom Putin has always tried to maintain a formal distance. (kes)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
