The Russian Ministry of Defense wants to bring all private armies under its command (we reported). Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin wanted nothing to do with it and again criticized minister Sergei Shoigu. But Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin now also wants to oblige Prigozhin to do so…
Putin’s “cook” is currently playing with fire again. As is well known, he has little interest in the Russian Ministry of Defense and absolutely does not want to work with them. At the same time, he emphasizes that he is subservient to President Putin and Russia’s interests. Now he is trying to do the balancing act and, as diplomatically as he can, find a compromise.
Of course the state should contribute to social guarantees for veterans, the Wagner boss began. But when they went to war, no one informed them that they would later have to sign an agreement with the Defense Ministry, Prigozhin said in – still – fine language.
“Path of Shame”
But then he couldn’t resist an excavation at Shoigu. “None of the Wagner warriors are willing to walk such a path of shame,” he lamented. And that is also why no one wants to sign this agreement, he continued.
He therefore hopes that the Duma and Putin will find a solution how the Wagner mercenaries can still get social guarantees, but without a contract. “I have 20,000 dead, do you also need to sign an agreement with the Ministry of Defense?” he added.
Putin and “common sense”.
The day before, Putin had announced that Russia’s now more than 40 private armies had to reconcile “with common sense”. They should therefore conclude contracts with the Ministry of Defence. This is the only way the mercenaries can be socially insured. “We have to do this, and as soon as possible,” he said emphatically.
The Russian Defense Ministry wants to require all private armies to sign a contract with the agency by July 1. There are rumors that Shoigu wants to use this move to gain power and control over the private armies – and Prigozhin now wants to prevent that at all costs.
Source: Krone
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