Russian mercenary unit Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has denied attempting a regime change in Moscow since the end of the Wagner uprising. He stated that they went out to demonstrate protest, not to overthrow authority.

Prigoschin reports shooting down of aircraft

After the failed uprising last weekend, Prigoschin, who was once considered a confidant of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, but after the start of the uprising was labeled a traitor by him, admitted that there were casualties during the march. He stated that, “During the course of our march, not a single soldier was killed on the ground. We regret that we were forced to shoot down aircraft- because they bombed us.”

“Serious security problems” in Russia

Prigoschin praised the march on Moscow as an example of how the attack on Ukraine, ordered by Putin on February 24, 2022, should have been carried out. He said that a quick advance of their own units, the elimination of all military objects of the enemy on the way – and that almost without casualties. Prigoschin said that two soldiers on their side had died and several mercenaries had been injured.

Wagner Chief stresses Lukashenko’s role

Belarus’ dictator Alexander Lukashenko played a significant role in ending the uprising, according to Prigoschin. He had helped to broker a peaceful solution to prevent bloodshed in Russia. According to Kremlin sources, after the end of the revolt, Prigoschin was to leave for Belarus.