Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, who rose to fame as the cook of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin, has publicly admitted for the first time that he founded the infamous mercenary group “Wagner”. Prigozhin explained on his company Konkord’s website that he formed the unit in 2014 for use on the Russian side in Ukraine’s Donbass.
On May 1, 2014, a “group of patriots” named “Wagner” was born. According to Prigozhin, it was thanks to their courage and courage that many areas in Luhansk and Donetsk were “liberated”.
Existence long denied
Previously, Prigozhin had never clearly mentioned connections with the “Wagner” group. Most recently, however, he indirectly hinted that it was his project. Insiders also confirmed this. Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin also named the group after years of denying its existence. However, the power apparatus in Moscow continues to claim that it will not interfere.
Also in action in Syria and Africa
In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula and began supporting separatists in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Prigozhin has now also confirmed the operations of the “Wagner” group in Syria, other Arab countries, as well as in Africa and Latin America. The men had become “heroes” and “a pillar of our homeland,” he wrote. “Wagner” mercenaries were also in Sudan, Mali and Libya.
In total, 5000 fighters work for “Wagner”.
For a long time, Prigozhin explained, he did not want to “betray” the men who formed the “backbone of Russian patriotism.” “I am proud to have been able to defend your right to defend the interests of your country.” Now the “time of revelation” has come. A total of about 5,000 fighters are said to be active for “Wagner” today.
US puts reward on Prigozhin
A video recently caused a stir in Russia that would show the businessman and Putin friend recruiting prisoners to fight in the war in Ukraine. The West has imposed sanctions on Prigozhin, who was born in 1961 in what was then Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) and whom Putin once met as a cook. The US has offered a reward for his capture.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
