Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that there is no broad agreement within the country regarding the use of private military companies on state territory. This observation was reported by TASS.
Putin noted that while there is not yet a national consensus on the role of such formations in Russia, he could affirm that several thousand contract soldiers from this company have aligned themselves with the Russian Armed Forces. He emphasized that they are willing to participate in hostilities if they choose to do so. This remark underscores a nuanced stance in which private military collaboration is not yet a settled policy, even as thousands have already opted into official service. (TASS)
Earlier, Anna Tsivileva, the head of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, reported that a special commission has been established within the Russian Ministry of Defense. The commission is tasked with issuing certificates to Wagner PMC fighters who are taking part in what is described as a special military operation. The statement was made during a gathering of social coordinators at the Ural Institute of Management of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, which operates under the President of the Russian Federation in Yekaterinburg. (Attribution: TASS)
Putin also noted that the ministry has decided that those whose injuries have been verified and who have state awards recognized will receive their certificates in a lighter, more accessible regime. This decision appears aimed at acknowledging service while balancing administrative considerations, and it reflects the administration’s broader approach to recognizing contributions from personnel involved in ongoing military activities. (Cited source: TASS)
Throughout his remarks, Putin praised the courage and resolve shown by participants in the special military operation. He highlighted the dedication of those on the front lines, underscoring a leadership narrative that emphasizes resilience, discipline, and collective effort. The comments come amid ongoing debates about the legal and strategic framework governing private military contractors in Russia, a topic that continues to evoke questions about accountability, oversight, and the future role of such formations within national defense planning. (TASS)