Łukašenka claims to be brokering return of Russian mercenaries to their bases

June 24, BPN. Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private military company, has announced the return of his units to their bases to avoid bloodshed.

Earlier, Pul Pervogo, an unofficial Telegram channel of Alaksandr Łukašenka’s press office, linked the end of Wagner troops’ advance within Russia to the Belarusian ruler’s talks with Prigozhin.

“Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed his Belarusian counterpart on the situation in southern Russia with the Wagner private military company,” it said. “The heads of state agreed on joint actions.” Belarusian ruler reportedly “held talks” with Prigozhin. 

“The talks lasted all day.” Pul Pervogo said. “As a result, [the sides] came to an agreement on the inadmissibility of the bloodshed on the territory of Russia.” Prigozhin reportedly accepted Łukašenka’s offer to de-escalate tension. 

Prigozhin’s military revolt started on June 23 as Wagner units left the occupied parts of Ukraine and entered Russia in a “march of justice.” They passed through Russia’s Rostov-on-Don, Voronezh and the Lipetsk region before stopping within 200 km from Moscow.

Pledging to protect the sovereignty of Belarus, the opposition’s transition cabinet set up an operational headquarters led by Valer Sachaščyk, the cabinet’s security chief. It invited all opposition groups and Belarusian volunteers fighting Russia in Ukraine to cooperate. 

The cabinet also issued a statement assuming responsibility for “the fate of Belarus and the Belarusian people,” declaring all decisions of the Łukašenka regime null and void, and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Belarus.