Belarus exile of Wagner chief Prigozhin raises alarm for Kyiv’s security

The exile of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, to Belarus can escalated the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

British General Lord Richard Dannatt has voiced concerns that the move could put Kyiv at risk of a severe onslaught from Russian forces, especially if Prigozhin has relocated with his mercenaries.

The Wagner Group’s attempted coup, though it destabilized the situation drastically, does not signify a decisive victory for Ukraine. As per Lord Dannatt, the former Chief of the UK General Staff, the potential for the Wagner Group to mount an attack on Kyiv from Belarus remains a significant threat.

Lord Dannatt highlighted his concerns on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday program, emphasizing the uncertainty over the number of fighters who have accompanied Prigozhin to Belarus. He warned that if Prigozhin has managed to retain an effective fighting force, he could pose a substantial risk to the Ukrainian flank closest to Kyiv. He urged Ukraine to vigilantly guard that flank to potentially stave off a renewed attack from Belarus’ direction.

Lord Dannatt cautioned that even though it seems the situation has been diffused, the repercussions of this shift could continue to create significant disturbance. He stressed that the actual scope of Prigozhin’s forces in Belarus remains unknown and its discovery will be crucial in the coming days.

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s exile to Belarus could escalate Kyiv crisis. Photo courtesy of Government of the Russian Federation/Wikimedia Commons.

In the agreement that concluded the coup, it was decided that the fighters from the Wagner Group would be absorbed into the Russian army. This decision raises further questions about the potential impact on the conflict.

After calling off the rebellion, Prigozhin expressed relief that during their march towards Moscow, which brought them within 200km of the city, not a single life was lost from his ranks. However, he acknowledged that the likelihood of bloodshed has now increased. According to Prigozhin, his troops will retreat to the field camps as planned.

As the situation unfolds, it underscores the intricate and volatile dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with international communities keeping a close watch on potential developments.