Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko has stated that he “can’t imagine” that Russian President, Vladimir Putin had a hand in the plane crash that reportedly killed the Wagner mercenary leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
“I know Putin: He is a calculating, very calm and even slow person, making decisions on other, less complicated issues,” Lukashenko said.
“So I can’t imagine that Putin did it, that Putin is to blame. It’s too rough, unprofessional work, if anything.”
Alexander Lukashenko
However, Lukashenko stated that “whatever happened and however it happened, Putin will be blamed for it anyway,” adding that “The system of government both in Belarus and Russia lays blame for any bad thing on the Presidents.”
“…And I am far from thinking that Putin did it, that he instructed someone to do it, that the government did it,” he emphasized.
Also, Lukashenko disclosed that Prigozhin never asked him to provide security guarantees.
The Belarusian President said, “If I had to answer this question directly, I’d say I am not supposed to ensure Prigozhin’s security.” “That’s the first point,” he added.
“The second point is that we have never spoken along these lines. Thirdly, I want you to remember that we were about to discuss the matter of security two times.
“The first time was when I phoned him and negotiations took place while they were marching on Moscow…The second time was when he and Dmitry Utkin came to me.”
Alexander Lukashenko
In addition, Lukashenko divulged that two things had been discussed during negotiations with Yevgeny Prigozhin: the termination of criminal cases against the Wagner and their extraction to Belarus.”
Wagner forces, led by Prigozhin, staged a mutiny against the Russian military on June 24, 2023. The revolt was shortlived as Lukashenko brokered a deal for Prigozhin and his troops to move to Belarus.
Responding to claims that he failed to deliver on the security guarantees he had promised to Prigozhin, Lukashenko remarked, “Prigozhin was flying from Africa and then he landed in Moscow and left for St. Petersburg. How could I ensure his security?”
“This is why I am not the guy you should be asking to answer these questions. Moreover, we’ve never had this conversation about ensuring security in someone else’s territory.”
Alexander Lukashenko
Wagner Forces To Remain In Belarus
Moreover, Lukashenko noted that the Wagner troops would remain in his country.
Stressing that he and Wagner Chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin came up with a system of how the mercenary troops will be accommodated in Belarus, Lukashenko said, “PMC Wagner lived, PMC Wagner lives, and PMC Wagner will live in Belarus despite anyone’s wishes to the contrary.”
Also, the Belarusian President stated that “we don’t mind it”, if Russia wants to take the Wagner troops for rotation to Africa.
“Those people may stay here. We help and support them. This is why they are not fleeing anywhere,” he noted.
“As many people as this unit and we need will live and work in Belarus. We will honor our promise. They know the terms.”
Alexander Lukashenko
“And by the way, they pay for everything,” he added.
When queried on whether his government was afraid of keeping such well-trained military force in the country, Lukashenko replied, “Why would we want another kind?”
According to Lukashenko, Belarusian military personnel, especially the internal troops and special operations forces, take delight in learning from the Wagner troops.
“I am surprised that there is no rejection. Our military personnel don’t mind it. All kinds of things may happen. This is why they are absorbing everything.”
Alexander Lukashenko
Lukashenko averred, “We don’t keep them here for pleasure but for benefits and we’ve built a system to keep everything under control.”
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