The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Wagner group has completed the process of handing over weapons, nearly three weeks after the force rebelled.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov announced on July 12 that the private military corporation Wagner has transferred about 2,000 pieces of equipment and more than 2,500 tons of ammunition to the regular army. These include many modern main battle tanks and artillery systems, with dozens of weapons that have never been used in combat.
Reuters said the transfer of weapons to the Russian Defense Ministry was a sign that Wagner was withdrawing from combat operations in Ukraine. The move comes nearly three weeks after Wagner tycoon Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a rebellion on June 24.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow, Russia, in April. Photo: Reuters
The uprising ended within 24 hours when Wagner and the Kremlin reached a deal, brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, for Wagner to retreat to his barracks. The Wagner boss was granted immunity from prosecution and left Russia for Belarus.
Prigozhin was spotted earlier this month traveling by private jet to St. Petersburg, Russia, to collect weapons confiscated by security officials. Wagner received several rifles and pistols, including one with Prigozhin’s name engraved on it, which was given to him by Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu when their relationship was still cordial.
Wagner's 24 Hours of Rebellion. Source: WSJ, Reuters, AFP
Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters/Zvezda TV )
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