Putin’s Wagner Comment: They Do Not Legally Exist

In statements to the Kommersant newspaper, Vladimir Putin made assessments of the Wagner mercenary group, which rebelled against the Russian administration.

Stating that the situation is very clear to Russian society, Putin said that Wagner’s fighters fought with honor, but he was caught up in the June 24 uprising and it was sad.

“In my meeting with them, I evaluated what they did on the battlefield, on the one hand, and what they did during the events of June 24, on the other. I have shown possible options for your future service, including participation in conflicts. That’s all.” He used the phrases.

Asked if Wagner would continue to exist as a combat unit, Putin replied: “There is no Wagner mercenary company. We have no laws regarding private military companies. So if there is no law, there is no mercenary company, Wagner. There is no such legal entity. There is a group, but it does not exist legally, ”he said.

Noting that the legalization of mercenary companies is a separate issue, Putin stressed that this issue must be addressed at the parliamentary and government level, and that it is a difficult issue.

WAGNER CALLS THE WARRIORS

Recalling that he met with 35 Wagner commanders on June 29, Putin claimed that he told them they were in the Kremlin. Noting that he offered different employment options to commanders, Putin said he suggested that Wagner’s fighters be under the command of a commander known as “Seda.”

Noting that Wagner’s fighters have been serving under this commander for 16 months, Putin said: “Everyone can gather in one place and continue to serve, and nothing will change for them. They will be led by the same person who was their true commander from the start.

Noting that many commanders nodded their heads to this proposal, Putin said that Wagner founder Yevgeniy Prigojin, who was sitting in front, said that his men did not agree to this decision without seeing it.

“THE LEGAL STATE IS COMPLEX”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov also told reporters that “Wagner does not exist legally” and that this issue requires further examination and evaluation, and that the legal status of such companies is quite complex.

In response to the question of whether legal changes will be made in this area, Peskov replied: “At least this issue will be addressed.”

Peskov added that they could not give more details about what agreement was reached during Putin’s meeting with Prigojin on June 29, and that they had said everything necessary. (AA)