The mutiny faced little resistance and fighters downed at least six military helicopters and a command post aircraft, killing at least 10 airmen. Valery Gerasimov, who demanded that Wagner sign contracts with the Defense Ministry by July 1. Prigozhin described the move as a “march of justice” to oust Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff chief Gen. It simply doesn’t exist,” he told Kommersant, adding that the government and the parliament have yet to discuss the issue of private military contractors.ĭuring the revolt that lasted less than 24 hours on June 23 and 24, Prigozhin’s mercenaries quickly swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot, before driving to within about 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow.

“There is no law on private military organizations. Putin also noted that Wagner has operated without legal basis. The Russian president has previously said that Wagner troops had to choose whether to sign contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry, move to neighboring Belarus or retire from service. Putin didn't say what proposal Wagner commanders eventually accepted, if any.

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