In a swift response to the tragic demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the private mercenary group Wagner, President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree mandating all Wagner fighters to pledge their loyalty to the Russian state. The order comes in the aftermath of a fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Mr. Prigozhin. The decree, signed by Putin with immediate effect, underscores the Russian government’s determination to quash western allegations suggesting Mr. Prigozhin’s demise was orchestrated by the Kremlin.
Addressing the claims of western involvement, the Kremlin categorically dismissed the notion of its involvement in Mr. Prigozhin’s death, labeling such assertions as an “absolute lie.” However, official confirmation of Prigozhin’s demise is still pending as Russian authorities await the results of various tests.
The crash of a private jet on Wednesday evening northwest of Moscow resulted in the loss of all ten passengers, including Yevgeny Prigozhin. The incident occurred precisely two months after he led an unsuccessful mutiny against Russia’s top military officials. Expressing condolences to the families affected by the tragic crash, President Putin spoke of Prigozhin in the past tense and hinted at the likelihood of the leader’s passing, along with several top associates.
While recognizing Prigozhin’s contributions to Russia’s military endeavors, particularly in Ukraine, President Putin also acknowledged Prigozhin’s errors in judgment. The President praised the Wagner chief’s role in supporting critical aspects of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine while acknowledging his “serious mistakes.”
The newly published decree, available on the official Kremlin website, ushers in a requirement for all individuals engaged in military activities or providing support for Moscow’s designated “special military operation” in Ukraine to formally swear an oath of allegiance to the Russian state. This directive marks a significant shift in the operational dynamics of the Wagner group and aligns with President Putin’s commitment to reinforcing loyalty to the Russian nation.
