The feud between the Kremlin and the Wagner mercenaries continues. Their leader Yevgeny Prigoschin feels threatened – and scolds.
Moscow/Bachmut – The dispute between the Kremlin and the mercenaries of the Wagner group in the Ukraine war is entering the next round. It was only on Sunday (May 7) that their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, reported that his men were receiving fresh weapons from the Russian military leadership for the fighting in Bakhmut. Disillusionment followed two days later.
Wagner boss Prigozhin makes serious accusations against the Kremlin
On Tuesday, as Russia marked Victory Day, Prigozhin reportedly received a letter from the Russian Defense Ministry. But instead of being promised ammunition, he says he received a threat: If he carries out his threat and actually withdraws from Bachmut, the Wagner mercenaries could be accused of high treason. That’s what Prigozhin said in a video on Telegram.
He also accused the Kremlin around Vladimir Putin of not sticking to agreements. He has not yet received the weapons promised by the Russian military. “You have brazenly deceived us,” said Prigozhin. He still wants to stay in Bachmut for the time being.
Prigozhin observes the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops in the direction of Zaporizhia
The Wagner boss, who has been fighting for Bachmut with his people for months on the side of Russia, again sharply attacked the military leadership in the video. Russian units fled their positions because of “criminal” orders from high-ranking commanders, Prigozhin claimed. “Soldiers should not die because of the absolute stupidity of their leadership.”
The military contractor and oligarch also expressed suspicions that the armed forces of Ukraine are preparing the long-awaited counter-offensive. Troops are currently “opening flanks in Bakhmut” and regrouping near Zaporizhia. According to experts, the region is considered a possible thrust of the counter-offensive. (mt)