RIGA, Latvia — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko revealed in a meeting with his generals on Tuesday that he had intervened to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from ordering the assassination of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization. Lukashenko claimed that Prigozhin, who was leading a rebellion against Moscow, was “half-crazed” and poured out obscenities during a phone conversation with him. The Belarusian president said that he convinced Putin not to take harsh action against Prigozhin, as it would have resulted in major bloodshed and the deaths of thousands of civilians and Russian forces.
Lukashenko played a central role in brokering a deal between Putin and Prigozhin, which led to the diversion of a column of Wagner fighters who were advancing on Moscow. In exchange, Putin dropped insurgency charges against Prigozhin and allowed him and the Wagner Group to move to neighboring Belarus, which is considered a client state of Russia. Lukashenko confirmed that Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus by private plane.
While Lukashenko’s version of events could not be independently verified, the Kremlin confirmed that he played a key role in the deal. Lukashenko’s detailed account of the conversations with Putin and Prigozhin was highly unusual, as he rarely provides such granular details. However, Lukashenko’s reputation as a dictator and abuser of human rights raises questions about the accuracy of his statements.
The Wagner Group has been involved in various conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, and is known for its battle-hardened fighters. Lukashenko described them as the most trained unit in the army and warned Putin that taking harsh action against Prigozhin would result in a significant loss of life.
Lukashenko’s revelations shed light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations and tensions within the Russian leadership. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the relationship between Lukashenko and Putin, as well as the future of the Wagner Group.Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has revealed details of a phone conversation he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the rebellion of mercenary boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin. Lukashenko claimed that Prigozhin was “half-crazed” and poured out obscenities for half an hour during their conversation. Lukashenko also stated that Putin had planned to kill Prigozhin, but Lukashenko convinced him to hold off, citing the potential for major bloodshed. In exchange, Putin agreed to drop insurgency charges against Prigozhin and allow him and his Wagner Group to move to Belarus. Lukashenko’s account of the events has not been verified, but the Kremlin confirmed his involvement in brokering the deal. Lukashenko is known for making controversial statements, and he has been widely criticized for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.
How did the negotiation process between Lukashenko, Putin, and Prigozhin result in a resolution to the situation without extensive bloodshed
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had successfully intervened to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from ordering the assassination of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization. Lukashenko made this revelation during a meeting with his generals, emphasizing that he convinced Putin not to take drastic action against Prigozhin due to the potential loss of civilian lives and Russian forces.
According to Lukashenko, Prigozhin, who had been leading a rebellion against Moscow, exhibited erratic behavior and used explicit language during a phone conversation with him. Lukashenko described him as “half-crazed.” In order to avoid extensive bloodshed and protect thousands of civilians, Lukashenko played a significant role in brokering a deal between Putin and Prigozhin.
The agreement resulted in the diversion of a group of Wagner fighters who were on their way to Moscow. As part of the deal, Putin dropped the insurgency charges against Prigozhin and allowed him and the Wagner Group to relocate to neighboring Belarus, which is considered a client state of Russia. Lukashenko confirmed his involvement in the negotiation process and the subsequent resolution of the situation.
It’s intriguing to see the Belarusian President, Lukashenko, playing a significant role in brokering the Putin-Wagner deal. This revelation sheds light on his diplomatic influence and underscores the complex dynamics of international relationships in Eastern Europe.
This article sheds light on Belarusian President Lukashenko’s significant role in brokering the Putin-Wagner deal. It highlights the diplomatic influence he wields and the potential implications for the region.