Wagner Leader in Russia, Not Belarus, Lukashenko Says

Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his troops are in Russia — not Belarus, as some believed — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday.

The Details: On Thursday, Lukashenko told reporters Prigozhin and his Wagner forces were “not on the territory of Belarus.” Instead, he said, Prigozhin was in St. Petersburg or Moscow, seemingly confirming reports from U.S. officials that the mercenary leader had remained in Russia. 

For Context: To end Wagner’s mutiny, Lukashenko reportedly brokered a deal between Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which the former would leave Russia for Belarus. If Prigozhin and his troops are in Russia in defiance of that deal, it could cast doubt on the narrative that Putin is regaining control after Wagner’s mutiny. However, Lukashenko suggested Russian forces were likely keeping a close eye on Prigozhin.

How the Media Covered It: Some coverage differed slightly on the timeline of Prigozhin’s location. While Reuters (Center bias) said Prigozhin was “still” in Russia, implying he never left, NPR (Lean Left bias) said he was “back” in Russia, implying he left and came back.