 The chief of the Wagner mercenary group has paused recruiting after Putin approved plans for a vast network of private militias on home soil. The Kremlin quietly approved new laws last week which allow for the creation of 'specialised companies' to 'ensure public safety' and protect Russia's borders. Officials have not said exactly what tasks will be given to mercenaries, or why they're needed on top of Russia's national guard and territorial forces. But the Russian president recently hinted he wanted to change the status of the dozens of private military companies which are active in Russia but do not 'legally exist'. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who marched toward Moscow with thousands of his men in last month's failed mutiny, has not directly reacted to the plans. But in an audio message posted on Telegram, he appeared to be at pains to clarify that Wagner is not shoring up its forces in the wake of the incident. The 62-year-old oligarch admitted 'most' Wagner troops are now 'on holiday' and that remaining forces will either train in Belarus or take part in existing contracts in Africa. Prigozhin was supposed to be exiled to Belarus but has not been seen since June (Picture: AP) He insisted Wagner is moving onto its 'next tasks' the outline of which is 'becoming more and more clearly drawn', but did not point to any new contracts. 'However, we will be extremely grateful to you if you keep in touch with us, and as soon as the Motherland needs to create a new (additional) group that will be able to protect the interests of our country, we will certainly start recruiting.' Any new Wagner missions 'will be carried out in the name of the greatness of Russia', he added. Wagner's military prowess and Prigozhin's popularity among his troops has presented a tough challenge for Putin, who is usually merciless in stamping out dissent. EU leaders have become nervous about Wagner's continui){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The chief of the Wagner mercenary group has paused recruiting after Putin approved plans for a vast network of private militias on home soil.
The Kremlin quietly approved new laws last week which allow for the creation of ‘specialised companies’ to ‘ensure public safety’ and protect Russia’s borders.
Officials have not said exactly what tasks will be given to mercenaries, or why they’re needed on top of Russia’s national guard and territorial forces.
But the Russian president recently hinted he wanted to change the status of the dozens of private military companies which are active in Russia but do not ‘legally exist’.