The criminal investigation into the Wagner private military company’s mutiny has been dropped, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier offered immunity to insurgents led by Wagner chief Evgeny Prigozhin.
The probe was initiated last Friday, after Prigozhin directed Wagner soldiers to advance into key Russian cities in an attempt to replace senior military figures. The insurrection, however, was put down the next day thanks to a compromise brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
The FSB inquiry “determined that on June 24 participants stopped actions directed at committing the crime,” according to the agency’s press department on Tuesday. “In light of this and other relevant circumstances, the investigative body decided to halt the criminal investigation on June 27.”
Putin addressed the aftermath of the brief upheaval in a national address on Monday, complimenting Russian society for its togetherness.
When asked about the fate of Wagner’s forces, he stated that the majority of them were “patriots, devoted to their people and country” who had been duped into rebelling. Putin stated that the force “stopped at the last line” before s
Wagner personnel were offered the opportunity to sign contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry or one of the country’s police enforcement agencies in order to continue serving their country. They can also retire without fear of repercussions, according to Putin.
Those who do not want to choose either option are free to accompany Prigozhin to Belarus, Putin said, emphasizing that his government does not intend to punish either the mutiny leader or troops loyal to him.
ignificant carnage.
