Pavel Prigozhin, the son of former Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, appears to be emerging as a potential new leader of this Russian paramilitary group weeks after the death of its founder.
This situation comes in contrast to the current position of Andrei Trochev, a former Wagner commander, who now holds a position in the Russian Defense Ministry and enjoys the support of President Vladimir Putin, according to the Washington-based think tank the Institute of Study of War (ISW).
ISW reported that Putin publicly expressed support for Troshev. On September 29, Putin publicly acknowledged having held discussions with Troshev and even gave him a mission relating to new volunteer units primarily intended for combat missions in Ukraine .
This decision, according to sources, however, caused dissidence within certain elements of the Wagner group, leading to the emergence of an alternative leader.The think tank cited a well-known Telegram channel associated with the Wagner Group which allegedly announced that Pavel Prigozhin, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s 25-year-old son, would assume “command” of the Wagner Group.
It was also reported that Pavel Prigozhin was in negotiations with Rosgvardia(the National Guard of Russia) with a view to possible re-engagement of the Wagner group in combat operations in Ukraine. Importantly, the announcement stated that Wagner fighters would not be required to enter into contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry.
Additionally, the Wagner Group intends to maintain its established name, symbols, ideology, leadership structure, management and operating principles. As a reminder, for several months, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner has been at the center of all attention because of its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine which has lasted for more than a year now.
For many months the press had relayed the controversial remarks of its founder Yevgeny Prigojine who did not hesitate to attack the military hierarchy of the country led by Vladimir Putin. A few weeks ago, Prigozhin himself was in charge of a timer which was very quickly aborted. While the tone rose very quickly in a few hours, Evgueni Prigojine finally backed down.
Weeks later, Yevgeny Prigozhin took his last breath during a plane crash with several followers belonging to his group. Since his death, the question of his succession has given rise to much speculation. The next few days will surely allow us to find out more.
Claude HATEGEKIMANA
Rwandatribune.com