Russia: The head of the Wagner mercenary group Mr. Yevgeny Prigozhin has stated that the group will continue its activities in Africa and Belarus and that it is not currently recruiting new fighters.
“The group was deciding on its next objectives,” Mr. Prigozhin said in an audio message.
Wagner fighters have played a key role during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In June 2023, several thousand of them took part in a short-lived mutiny against Russia’s military leadership.
In his audio message, Mr. Prigozhin noted that most Wagner fighters are currently on leave because “before that, there was a long period of very hard work.” According to the Wagner head, the group was deciding on future tasks that would “be carried out for the greatness of Russia.”
“The group would stay active in Africa and at training centres in Belarus.” Mr. Prigozhin noted in the statement.
The Wagner leader did not give further details, although the group is known to be active in multiple parts of Africa. Its fighters have also been in Belarus to teach territorial defence forces.
“While we are not experiencing any deficit in personnel, we do not plan to conduct new recruitment. However, we will be extremely grateful if you keep in touch with us, and as soon as the Motherland requires a new group that will be able to protect the interests of our country, we will certainly start recruiting,” Mr. Prigozhin added.
According to the leader, there were no restrictions placed on its fighters transfers to “other power structures” in Russia, and “unfortunately, some” agreed to do that.
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