March 25th 2023.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Yevgeny Prigozhin, the originator of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, has attempted to paint himself as a frank patriot.
Russia has pardoned more than 5,000 ex-offenders after they completed their agreements with the Wagner Group, its leader has announced.
This private military company, which has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, enlisted thousands of convicts for the violent conflict in Ukraine.
Wagner's founder Yevgeny Prigozhin declared today that thousands of prisoners have 'fulfilled their contracts' after many had died.
'Currently, more than 5,000 people have been released on a pardon after completing their contracts with Wagner,' Prigozhin said on Telegram, as reported by Reuters.
A report from the Institute for the Study of War stated on Monday that it was likely Wagner would lose half of its prisoners in the upcoming weeks as their six-month contracts end.
The American research group said thousands of inmates were recruited in the fall of last year on the pledge of freedom after six months.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Vladimir Putin has had difficulty with his military mobilisation
In reference to the UK Ministry of Defence, the report said: 'The UK MoD anticipated that the exodus of convict forces would worsen Wagner personnel shortages as the Kremlin has also blocked Wagner from enlisting additional inmates.'
British intelligence has estimated the number of warriors Wagner commands at 50,000 – around 10,000 professional soldiers and 40,000 ex-convicts.
Prigozhin, himself a former prisoner after serving nine years in Soviet times, said only 0.31% of those who were pardoned went on to commit another offence.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Yevgeny Prigozhin, the creator of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, has attempted to depict himself as a forthright patriot. It has been reported that Russia has exonerated more than 5,000 ex-offenders after they ended their contracts fighting in the Wagner Group. Prigozhin has declared that at present, many individuals have been issued a pardon after they completed their contracts with Wagner. The Institute for the Study of War remarked on Monday that they anticipated Wagner to lose half of its inmates in the upcoming weeks as their six-month contracts expire. It was also mentioned that Wagner has been prohibited from enlisting extra inmates as the Kremlin has been struggling with its military mobilisation. In accordance with the UK Ministry of Defence, it has been estimated that up to 50,000 personnel are employed by Wagner, including around 10,000 professional soldiers and 40,000 former convicts. Prigozhin declared that only 0.31% of those pardoned had gone on to commit another crime.
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