Wagner chief orders troops to turn around from Moscow 'to avoid bloodshed'

Introduction: In a surprising turn of events, the head of the private military contractor known as Wagner has ordered his troops to retreat from the outskirts of Moscow. This news has raised eyebrows among both domestic and international observers, as the Kremlin has previously been accused of supporting the shadowy group. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening.

Summary: Wagner is a private military contracting firm that has been used by the Kremlin to carry out military operations in Syria, Ukraine, and other countries. The company is notorious for its lack of transparency and accountability, and has been accused of committing human rights abuses in various locations. Recently, Wagner was seen amassing troops on the outskirts of Moscow, leading to speculation that the group was planning to carry out a covert operation inside the Russian capital. However, the chief of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, ordered his troops to stand down and retreat from Moscow, citing concerns over potential violence and bloodshed.

Additional context: Prigozhin is a wealthy businessman who is widely believed to have close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has been accused of bankrolling the Internet Research Agency, a notorious Russian troll farm that was involved in interfering in the 2016 US presidential election. Prigozhin was also recently sanctioned by the US government for his alleged role in election interference and other malign activities.

Conclusion: The decision by Prigozhin to order his troops to retreat from Moscow is a surprising development, particularly given his close ties to the Kremlin. It raises questions about whether there is tension between Prigozhin and the Russian government, or whether this is a calculated move to avoid further scrutiny from the international community. Regardless, the fact that a private military contractor is able to operate with such impunity in Russia and elsewhere is a cause for concern and underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in this industry.