Russian Mercenary Leader Criticizes Government’s Incompetence in Controlling Fleeing Troops

MOSCOW (AFP) – Russian mercenary group Wagner Group chief Prigozin accused a unit of the Russian army of fleeing a position near Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine on Monday, lashing out at the Russian government for its inability to defend the country .

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s influence has grown dramatically with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In recent days he has released a series of videos harshly criticizing Russia’s military leadership.

“A unit of the Ministry of Defense escaped one of our flank positions today … leaving the front exposed,” Prigozine said.

Prigozin has threatened that the Wagnerian fighters leading the charge will withdraw from Bakhmut on May 10 if badly needed ammunition is not obtained.

Prigozin also said that the soldiers deserted because the Russian military commanders were “stupid” and issued “criminal orders” and that “soldiers should not die because of the absolute stupidity of the leadership”.

Prigozin’s release of the video coincides with Russia’s “Victory Day,” when Moscow celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

In an unprecedented bombardment of Russian forces, Prigozin accused top Moscow generals of trying to “deceive” President Vladimir Putin about the fighting in Ukraine.

He said that if all tasks are carried out by deceiving Commander-in-Chief Putin, then Putin or the Russian people who are dissatisfied with losing the war will eventually punish these people.

Prigozin, 61, also questioned the Kremlin’s ability to defend the country on Monday, saying Ukraine had “successfully” attacked Russia’s borders as the Ukrainian army prepares for a spring counteroffensive. He sharply criticized in the video: “Why is this government incapable of defending the country?”

Prigozin’s release of the video came as Moscow was holding a huge Victory Day parade on Red Square, which was televised across the country.

Prigozin retorted that Ukraine’s planned offensive was “on the ground and not on TV.” “So far in our country, everyone thinks that everything has to be done on TV.”

The Russian media broadcasts the attack situation of the Russian army almost around the clock, and will also beautify the performance of the Russian army from an absolutely positive angle.