Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, has returned to Russia. However, he did not confirm if Wagner fighters remained in Belarus.
Reuters reported that Wagner fighters were still present at their camps in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, awaiting orders from Prigozhin, who is believed to be in Russia.
The future of Wagner Group fighters in Belarus remains uncertain. Lukashenko expressed his willingness to host them, but their willingness to stay is unclear. Additionally, the international community is increasing scrutiny and potential sanctions may target the fighters.
The Wagner Group, a private military company, has faced accusations of human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, and Libya. It is believed to be funded by Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The presence of Wagner Group fighters in Belarus reflects Russia’s growing influence in the country. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, has been a staunch ally of Putin and allowed Belarus to be used as a staging ground for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The future of Belarus and the Wagner fighters remains uncertain. However, their presence emphasizes the close ties between Belarus and Russia, raising concerns about potential instability in the region.
