Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday praised the military and law enforcement agencies for averting a civil war by acting swiftly against the rebellion of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the private army “Wagner”. Speaking to soldiers and security officials at the Kremlin, Putin praised their actions during the Wagner Group uprising, saying that “you effectively stopped the civil war.” Without naming Prigozhin. Putin said that the army and the people did not support the rebellion.
Putin insisted that Russian troops stationed in Ukraine to deal with the insurgency had not been withdrawn from the front. Russian authorities said on Tuesday they have closed a criminal investigation into the armed rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private army ‘Wagner’. Officials also said that all charges against Prigozhin and other fighters involved in the uprising have also been dropped.
The Federal Security Service (AFB) said its investigation showed those involved in the mutiny had “ceased activities intended to commit crimes”. Russian President Vladimir Putin branded him and the fighters of his private army as traitors after Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion. However, the Kremlin (Russia’s president’s office) decided not to pursue any charges against Prigozhin and his fighters after the “Wagner” chief dropped plans to travel to Moscow last weekend.
In Russia, there is a provision of up to 20 years in prison for the charge of armed rebellion. However, Prigozhin’s escape from indictment is rare, as the Kremlin is known for dealing harshly with rebels and those involved in anti-government protests. The picture regarding the current whereabouts of Prigozhin could not be cleared even on Tuesday. The Kremlin has said that Prigozhin will be sent into exile in neighboring Belarus, but neither the Wagner chief nor the Belarussian authorities have confirmed this.
(With inputs from agencies)
