Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary group known as Wagner, has refuted claims that their recent mutiny was a plot to overthrow the Russian government.

Instead, he asserted that the mutiny served as a protest against the ineffectual conduct of the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin made these statements in a message released on the Telegram messaging app.

During the message, Prigozhin revealed that Wagner is set to cease operations on July 1. He further claimed that a majority of his fighters refused to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, indicating that only a small percentage of his fighters chose to join the Russian army.

Prigozhin stressed that their march aimed to draw attention to the serious security issues within the country. However, he did not disclose his present location.

Despite an agreement brokered by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to bring an end to the mutiny, reports indicate that a criminal case against Prigozhin remains open. The mutiny, according to Prigozhin, sought to prevent the dissolution of Wagner forces and retaliate against top Russian military officials whom he holds responsible for mistakes made during the Ukraine invasion. Prigozhin voiced criticism of the Russian Ministry of Defense, accusing them of providing inadequate support and supplies to his fighters.

Prigozhin emphasized that the decision to halt Wagner's advance was driven by a desire to prevent the loss of Russian lives, claiming that his forces acted solely as a form of protest. He mentioned that approximately 30 Wagner fighters were killed by Russian forces, who launched missile strikes and deployed a helicopter against the advancing column.

Curiously, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not officially responded to the mutiny thus far. Previously, he had stated that the rebellion posed a threat to Russia's existence and vowed to punish those involved. The absence of a response from Putin raises questions about the government's stance on the matter.

As July 1 approaches, the impending dissolution of the Wagner Group raises uncertainties about the future of Russian mercenary activities and its impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. (ILKHA)