A recent statement from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses recruitment and potential deployment related to the Wagner private military company. Lukashenko asserted that no conscription points will be opened in Belarus for individuals wishing to join Wagner, stating that such points will not exist. The president’s remarks were shared in an interview with BelTA, the state news agency. He added that he was aware of a former Belarusian soldier who had joined Wagner and served in a leadership role within the organization. According to Lukashenko, this individual cannot be arrested. He also emphasized that anyone who chooses to serve with Wagner must accept the daily risks to their life that accompany such a commitment. Lukashenko stressed that Belarus will not advocate for recruiting Belarusians into Wagner, yet he also underscored that the government will not interfere with those who decide to work with the group.
On the evening of June 23, Wagner’s head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed that forces from the Russian Defense Ministry had attacked the rear camps of the private military company. He also asserted that his fighters were advancing toward Russia in what he described as a march for justice. The Russian authorities responded with denials, while the Procurator General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Prigozhin for allegedly organizing an armed riot.
By the morning of June 24, Wagner forces had moved to seal administrative facilities in Rostov-on-Don, and President Vladimir Putin reportedly began a movement toward Moscow. Putin described Prigozhin’s actions as a stab in the back and warned Prigozhin and his subordinates about the consequences. Support for the move came from the Russian Parliament, including the State Duma and the Federation Council, and from regional leaders. In Rostov, Chechen forces from Akhmad Kadyrov’s faction were deployed in response.
Later that evening, Belarus’s presidential press service announced that negotiations had taken place between Lukashenko and Prigozhin. The parties reportedly reached an agreement on an acceptable resolution to the situation, including assurances of security for Wagner fighters. Prigozhin, who had accused the Russian authorities of inciting unrest, reportedly stated his intention to reverse his forces and return them to field camps. [Citation: BelTA; statements summarized from official releases and subsequent briefings]