Ukraine’s counteroffensive could potentially succeed – says Prigozhin

According to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary army deployed by the Kremlin, Ukraine’s counteroffensive could potentially succeed against Russian military forces due to the ‘lazy Kremlin elite.’ He stated that Russia’s elites are leaving the military at a crisis point in an online statement, and that Russia’s ‘lazy elite’ are to blame for the Kremlin’s ‘failures to secure a victory quickly.’ He also claimed that the best scenario for Russia to heal is for Ukraine’s armed forces to launch an offensive where no negotiations would be possible. Prigozhin advised that people in Russia’s ‘deep state’ would ‘betray the interests of Russia’ for their own gain in the face of the situation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Russian armed forces are fighting battles in the eastern city of Bakhmut, with pro-Kyiv forces still holding on. Russia’s defence ministry claimed earlier in the day that fighters from the Wagner mercenary group had captured two more areas of Bakhmut, the main target of Moscow’s offensive in eastern Ukraine.

What is the Wagner Group?

The Wagner Group is a private military company (PMC) that has gained notoriety for its involvement in various conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. The group is headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russian oligarch with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Founded in 2014 by Dmitry Utkin, a former lieutenant colonel of Russia’s special forces, the group began its operations following the annexation of Crimea by arming and organizing separatist groups in the Donbas region of Ukraine. The group has since been involved in other conflicts, including Syria and Libya.

The Wagner Group is known for its use of violence and brutality to achieve its goals. The group has been accused of committing war crimes and human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

In 2022, Prigozhin embarked on a mass recruitment drive in Russian prisons, signing up hardened criminals to join the group’s ranks. The group deployed these recruits in Ukraine, using them for suicidal missions in a tactic known as “human wave” attacks.

Despite the group’s controversial reputation, the Wagner Group has enjoyed support from the Russian government in the past. However, as of March 2023, the group is receiving less support from the Russian military. Prigozhin’s poor relationship with Russian armed forces commander Valery Gerasimov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is said to be the reason for the reduced support. Despite this, the Wagner Group is still heavily involved in combat operations across the frontlines in Ukraine.

The Wagner Group’s actions raise serious concerns about the use of private military companies in conflicts. Critics argue that the use of PMCs undermines accountability and transparency, as these companies are not bound by the same rules and regulations as regular military forces. Additionally, the use of PMCs can lead to violations of human rights and international law.

In conclusion, the Wagner Group is a controversial private military company that has gained notoriety for its involvement in various conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. While the group’s activities have raised serious concerns, its continued involvement in conflicts highlights the need for increased scrutiny and regulation of private military companies.