According to the Pentagon, Wagner is no longer “substantially” involved in the fighting in Ukraine
“At this time, we do not see Wagner forces engaging in any significant combat operations in Ukraine,” Pentagon spokesman General Pat Ryder said at a news conference Thursday. The US understands that “the majority” of Wagner’s fighters are still in the Russian-held areas of Ukraine, he said.
In late June, the Wagner paramilitary group, which played a key role in Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, attempted a lightning revolt to overthrow Russia’s military leadership. Evguéni Prigojine, head of the group, had assured that his uprising was not intended to overthrow power, but to save Wagner from being dismantled by the Russian general staff, which he accuses of incompetence in the conflict in Ukraine.
The mutiny ended on the evening of June 24 with an agreement that provided for Mr. Prigojine’s departure to Belarus. Its fighters were offered by Russian President Vladimir Putin to join regular troops, emigrate to Belarus or return to civilian life.
On Wednesday, the Russian army announced that it had received more than 2,000 items of military equipment, 2,500 tons of ammunition and 20,000 small arms from the Wagner group. Mr. Prigoyine had agreed to hand over the arming of his men to regular Russian troops once his rebellion had been broken off.
Since the failure of this rebellion, rumors that have not been confirmed in connection with the opacity of Russian power have also reported reshuffles within the military leadership, particularly with regard to General Sergei Surovikin, who has long been an ally of Wagner.