Paramilitary Group Wagner Vows to Defend Russian Region of Belgorod Against Ukrainian Attacks

2023-06-04 14:48:10

The boss of the paramilitary group Wagner assured Saturday that he was ready to send his units to defend the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine and hit in recent days by intense bombardments and attacks.

“If the (Russian) Ministry of Defense does not stop what is happening in the Belgorod region (…) where Russian territories are in fact being captured, then obviously we will happen,” said Yevgeny Prigozhin.

“We will defend our (…) Russian people and all those who live there”, he added in an audio message published by his press service, specifying that his men would not wait for “ invitation” or authorization to deploy in the region.

“The only thing we will ask for is ammunition, so as not to arrive, as we say at home, bare ass in the cold,” added Mr. Prigojine.

In recent days, the Belgorod region, especially its localities located closest to the Ukrainian border, has been hit by fire of an unprecedented intensity since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine at the end of February 2022.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the region was hit by more than 500 cannon, mortar or multiple rocket launchers on Friday, including more than 370 in and around the town of Chebekino, hundreds of civilians fled.

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