Vladimir Putin is currently facing a significant crisis involving the Wagner Group fighters departing Belarus in large numbers. This comes just a few weeks after he sent them to Belarus following a failed rebellion against the Russian president.
The group of mercenaries, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has reportedly decreased by 1,400 members out of their original 5,800-strong force. One reason for this decline is the reduction in their income since relocating to Belarus. Sources in the country, speaking to the National Resistance Center of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have pointed out that their earnings have taken a hit in recent weeks.
In response to this financial setback, a portion of the Wagner fighters has opted to pursue work in African nations, where the mercenary group has a more established presence. Meanwhile, many others are simply choosing to take vacations.
According to the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the payment level offered by the Belarusian regime for Wagner’s services is not satisfying the instructors. As a result, most of these instructors do not intend to stay in Belarus for an extended period.
These new revelations contribute to ongoing speculation about how much longer Wagner fighters will remain in Belarus. Earlier this month, the mercenary group began transporting hundreds of its members from Belarus to Russian cities such as Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Although this movement was officially termed as sending fighters on vacation, there is no discussion of their return to Belarus.
This evacuation operation marks the initial phase, with the second phase reportedly scheduled to commence last week. Franak Viacorka, the chief political adviser to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, predicts a continued exodus of Wagner fighters from Belarus. Viacorka emphasizes that these mercenaries are primarily motivated by financial gain rather than ideological alignment with Putin, Prigozhin, or Lukashenko.
The disappointing salary offered in Belarus, significantly lower than during their missions, has led to growing discontent among the Wagner mercenaries. This discontent is likely to prompt more of them to seek departure.
However, the substantial departure of Wagner fighters from Belarus to African countries presents a setback for Putin’s strategies. Nearby countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia view this development as positive. These nations, situated close to Ukraine, have expressed concerns about potential threats arising from Belarus after the Wagner mercenaries were stationed there a few weeks ago.
Recently, Lithuania announced the closure of numerous border crossings with Belarus, following Poland’s lead. Warsaw has also raised concerns about Wagner fighters training alongside Belarusian troops and moving closer to its borders, which could escalate into a direct confrontation.
In summary, Vladimir Putin confronts a significant crisis as the Wagner Group fighters leave Belarus in substantial numbers. The mercenaries’ diminished income, disappointment with their compensation in Belarus, and a lack of ideological commitment are driving their departure. The situation has geopolitical implications, impacting nearby countries worried about potential security threats emanating from Belarus.
