Putin had labeled the rebellion "treason" and vowed to crush the rebels. Prigozhin had led approximately 25,000 mercenaries toward Moscow, demanding the removal of Russian military leadership, before abruptly changing course. Lukashenko claimed to have brokered a deal where Prigozhin would relocate to Belarus, and his fighters would not face prosecution.
Lukashenko announced on Tuesday that Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus and that his men would be allowed to stay in the country "for some time" at their own expense.
During a meeting with army officials and journalists, Lukashenko described his conversation with Putin, using Russian criminal slang to refer to killing someone. He stated, "I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putin's address) to wipe out the mutineers." Lukashenko then proposed to Putin that they engage in dialogue with Prigozhin and his commanders, but Putin dismissed the idea, claiming that Prigozhin refused to communicate with anyone.
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This revelation sheds light on the discussions within Putin's regime as Prigozhin's forces advanced toward Moscow. The Kremlin has yet to respond to Lukashenko's remarks. Lukashenko argued that killing Prigozhin could potentially trigger a broader revolt by the Wagner Group, urging Putin to consider the consequences beyond their immediate situation.
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Furthermore, Lukashenko boasted that the Wagner Group fighters would now be an asset to the Belarusian military, emphasizing their training and expertise.
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Lukashenko's approach to the Wagner Group has been characterized as pragmatic. He highlighted the benefits of having the mercenaries in Belarus, stating they have valuable knowledge about weaponry and combat tactics. Prigozhin had remained silent since Monday, when he noted that the Belarusian leadership would allow the Wagner Group to operate within the confines of the law.
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The rebellion led by Prigozhin and his mercenaries was seen as a significant challenge to Putin's rule, marking the most substantial threat he has faced in over two decades. Lukashenko's intervention and successful negotiation with Putin prevented a violent confrontation and potentially a wider uprising. With Prigozhin now in Belarus, Lukashenko sees an opportunity to strengthen his military with the expertise of the Wagner Group fighters.
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Lukashenko's skillful diplomacy averted a potentially catastrophic situation. By convincing Putin not to eliminate Prigozhin and his fighters, Lukashenko preserved their lives and gained a valuable asset for his military. The events surrounding the rebellion and Lukashenko's intervention have highlighted the complex dynamics within Putin's regime and the significance of the Wagner Group in the region.
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