President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia held a prolonged assembly with Yevgeny V. Prigozhin and his high commanders from the Wagner personal navy firm simply 5 days after the group launched a mutiny that threatened the Russian chief’s authority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov stated on Monday.
Mr. Putin invited 35 individuals to the three-hour assembly, together with the highest Wagner commanders and the group’s chief, Mr. Prigozhin, on June 29, the Kremlin spokesman stated. Just days earlier, the mercenaries seized a southern Russian metropolis and an essential Russian navy headquarters, and started a short-lived march on Moscow, in search of the removing of the management of the Russian Defense Ministry.
In the times since, the standing of Mr. Prigozhin, the Wagner group and its fighters has been shrouded in thriller. Despite the announcement of a deal beneath which Mr. Prigozhin referred to as off the rebellion and would go to Belarus, he has remained in Russia, based on Russian news reviews and the Belarusian president. Mr. Prigozhin has not been seen publicly since June 24, the day of the rebellion.
Mr. Peskov described the small print of the assembly as “unknown,” elevating additional questions on the way forward for Wagner.
“The only thing we can say is that the president gave his assessment of the company’s actions” throughout each the struggle in Ukraine and the rebellion, Mr. Peskov stated. “Putin heard out the commanders and proposed further employment options and further combat options.”
The commanders shared with Mr. Putin their model of occasions, Mr. Peskov stated, and pledged their loyalty to the Russian president. Mr. Prigozhin had beforehand asserted that the temporary mutiny was a stand towards Russia’s navy management, not Mr. Putin or his authorities.
“They emphasized that they are staunch supporters and soldiers of the head of state and commander in chief — and also said they are prepared to fight for the country going forward,” Mr. Peskov stated.
Source: www.nytimes.com