US think tank: Łukašenka used “unspecified” influence on Russian mercenaries’ boss

June 25, BPN. The actions of Alaksandr Łukašenka, “playing a direct role in halting a military advance on Moscow are humiliating to [Vladimir] Putin,” yet they may have secured Łukašenka “other benefits,” says a recent analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

His successful talks with the rebellious Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin may allo indicate “unspecified influence” over the latter that the Belarusian ruler used to de-escalate tensions, the analysts noted.

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.

Putin accused the mercenaries of treason and threatened them with “imminent punishment.”

On June 24, Łukašenka’s press office reported that he “held talks” with Prigozhin at Putin’s request. Later that day, the Wagner chief announced the return of his units to their bases to avoid bloodshed but did not mention Łukašenka’s involvement.

Russian authorities would drop criminal charges of armed mutiny against Prigozhin who “will go to Belarus,” Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists late on June 24. It remains unclear what the mercenaries’ chief will do in the Belarusian exile. Some of Prigozhin’s mercenaries may accompany him to Belarus, the ISW noted.

Putin reportedly called Łukašenka to thank him for the mediation.