Wagner Group chief Prigozhin takes orders from Kremlin, oligarch says

The leader of Russia’s mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, takes his orders from Vladimir Putin, a former oligarch has claimed. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was once Russia’s richest man and spent a decade in prison after accusing Putin’s inner circle of corruption, make the allegation during an appearance at the Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday.The mercenary organisation, known as the Wagner Group, is led by Prigozhin.Prigozhin is known as “Putin’s chef” and is said to be a “significant and important tool for the Kremlin”.The ex-hot dog salesman gained the nickname after his company won catering contracts from the Kremlin.Prigozhin’s contracts even saw him provide school meals across Moscow.JUST IN: Putin key ally praises Zelensky as ‘strong and confident leader’ amid tensions in Moscow Wagner Group’s chief nicknamed ‘Putin’s chef’ takes orders from Kremlin, ex-oligarch claims (Image: Getty) Prigozhin is known as “Putin’s chef” and is said to be a “significant and important tool”. (Image: Getty)Mr Khodorkovsky told MPs: “He is in direct contact with President Putin and he receives instructions from him.”He added: “He has a lot of personal meetings with Putin.”Khodorkovsky even claimed Prigozhin has as much influence as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov or Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.The Wagner Group has been accused of committing atrocities in Ukraine, Syria and Africa. Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky appeared before the Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday. (Image: Parliament TV)According to the Times, the mercenary organisation is also thought to have tired to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.The UK’s Ministry of Defence has also been keeping an eye on the Wagner Group’s involvement in Ukraine.In an intelligence update published on October 30, the MoD said: “On October 27, Russian mogul Yevgeny Prigozhin posted online, apparently admitting allegations that his private military company, the Wagner Group, had altered its standards and was recruiting Russian convicts suffering from serious diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C.”The role of Wagner Group has evolved significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.DON’T MISS:Pence slams Trump’s final days as ‘new low’ in relationship [LATEST]Prince Louis has not reached one royal milestone yet [REVEAL]Prince William praised for ‘marvellous’ speech at conservation event [SPOTLIGHT] Khodorkovsky said: “He has a lot of personal meetings with Putin.” (Image: Getty)The update added: “Prigozhin’s has recently discussed plans to create a 200km long defensive ‘Wagner Line’ in eastern Ukraine. This endeavour would require a large labour force.”There is a realistic possibility that some of the convict recruits will initially be put to work constructing the defences.”