Aug 25, 2023 at 3:31 PM Update: 37 minutes ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree forcing paramilitary fighters to swear an oath of allegiance to Russia. This also applies to soldiers of the Wagner mercenary army.
The order comes two days after the death of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash. The decree does not mention Wagner, but the mercenary army is the most famous paramilitary group in Russia.
Putin argues that mercenaries must swear “faithfulness and loyalty” to Russia. They must also strictly follow the orders of commanders and superiors.
The decree is to ensure “forming the spiritual and moral basis for the defense of the Russian Federation”.
What are Paramilitaries?
Paramilitaries are fighters who carry out armed actions, but do not belong to the army. For example, the Wagner mercenary army is a paramilitary group. Wagner mercenaries do not belong to the Russian army, but they carry out actions for Russia.
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Putin called rebellion Wagner treason
The Wagner Group revolted (briefly) two months ago, after the Russians asked Wagner troops to sign a contract. The mercenaries would then be employed by the Russian army. Prigozhin wanted none of that.
That conflict is also the reason that there is a lot of speculation about the plane crash. Critics argue that Putin is behind the crash, as he previously spoke of betrayal when Wagner rebelled. The Kremlin calls that rumor an “absolute lie” and says it has nothing to do with it.
It has not yet been confirmed that Prigozhin’s body has been found after the plane crash. Putin has already expressed his condolences to the family of the Wagner boss on his death. A Telegram channel linked to Wagner also assumes he is dead.
Image: AFP
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2023-08-25 13:31:45
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