The Ministry of Defense of the russian federation announced that it has started preparations for transferring heavy weaponry of the Wagner Group to regular army units. This move suggests that the ministry, which had been actively arming mercenaries with various weapons including tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft missile systems and even aviation, is effectively disarming the group.
Simultaneously, the Federal Security Service has stated that they have closed a criminal case regarding an armed coup attempt. The official reason given for terminating the investigation is that the individuals involved in the coup attempt have voluntarily “ceased actions aimed at committing a crime”.
Read more: What did the Kadyrovites Took to Fight Against Wagner PMC in Rostov-on-Don With
“Considering these and other relevant circumstances for the investigation, a decision was made on June 27 to terminate the criminal case,” reads the official statement of the russian law enforcement agency, which is sending individuals to prison for their social media posts.
It should be noted that during the coup attempt, the Wagner Group effectively seized control of Rostov-on-Don, including several military airfields and other strategic military installations. As a result of the armed conflict, they reportedly shot down four helicopters and one aircraft, destroyed multiple ground vehicles and killed more than 10 russian military personnel, although the exact figures may vary in different reports.
It is possible to speculate that given the size of the Wagner forces, which, according to Prigozhin’s statement, amounts to 25,000 individuals, equivalent to two divisions, equipped with a corresponding arsenal of military equipment, the Kremlin may have no other option. Dealing with such forces would require a significant diversion of resources from the frontlines.
However, it seems that the situation could undergo a radical change precisely after the mercenaries are deprived of heavy weaponry.
Read more: Prigozhin's March Seems to Have Ended in a Literal "Turnaround": What was That and What Happens Next
