Wagner Group soldiers will not sign contracts with Russia’s defence ministry after Moscow ordered all independent forces to do so by June 30. Saturday’s decree from Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu required all “volunteer detachments” to sign contracts with his ministry by the end of the month to boost the Russian army’s performance in Ukraine. The ministry’s statement did not mention Wagner, but Russian media claimed that Shoigu was trying to rein in the mercenaries after their notorious leader’s public comments.
On Sunday, Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin announced, “Wagner will not sign any contracts with Shoigu.” He claimed Wagner was exempt from the injunction. Prigozhin has often accused President Vladimir Putin’s top military command of “treachery” for failing to combat the Ukraine conflict. ‘General Armageddon’ Prigozhin, whose forces conquered the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in May after 10 months of brutal combat, insulted Shoigu and Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. The US has accused Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries of destabilizing African nations and stealing their natural riches. He claimed Washington has no moral right to teach because it has destabilized so many countries. Prigozhin claimed Wagner was entirely obedient to Russia’s interests, but its extremely effective command structure would be destroyed by reporting to Shoigu. Prigozhin alleged that Wagner coordinated its efforts in Ukraine with General Sergei Surovikin, dubbed “General Armageddon” by the Russian media.
They’ll run
In order to improve efficiency, all “volunteer detachments” must sign a contract with the military ministry by July 1. “This will give the volunteer formations the necessary legal status, [and] create unified approaches to the organization of comprehensive provision and fulfilment of their tasks,” the ministry stated. Deputy Defence Minister Nikolai Pankov stated, “These measures will increase the combat capabilities and effectiveness of the armed forces and their volunteer detachments.” The ministry may deprive Wagner of supplies if Prigozhin fails to comply with the decree, he has frequently said. After this instruction, they may not supply us guns and ammo. Prigozhin responded, “We’ll figure it out.” “But when the thunder breaks, they will come running and bring weapons and ammunition and ask for help.”
