The agreement signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and private military group 'Wagner'
Russia has increased security outside government offices and other key locations amid threats of an armed insurgency from the Wagner Group, the private military organization that has led most of Russia's attacks in Ukraine.
The head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, vowed revenge, alleging without any evidence that 2,000 of his fighters had been killed by the Russian military. He has repeatedly blamed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov for the deaths of his fighters on the
battlefield.
The rebellion cooled down after a settlement mediated by the leader of Belarus. Now amnesty has been given to Wagner fighters. The Russian president said that Wagner fighters could join the Russian army, go to Belarus or return to their homes.
Prigozhin said in a message that he had taken this step in protest against Russia's military leadership and that it was not a coup attempt.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has alleged that Ukraine and its Western allies wanted Russians to fight among themselves during the uprising by the Wagner Group.
Private Military Group 'Wagner'
The PMC Wagner organization came into existence in 2014 during the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Apart from Ukraine, it has footprints throughout Africa and West Asia, where it has provided mercenaries to various governments. The group registered as a company in 2022 and opened a new headquarters in St. Petersburg. The organization has provided extensive military support to ruling parties in Syria, Sudan, Libya, and Mozambique.
