Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner group, filmed the most important moments of the Russian offensive into Ukraine. This Saturday, he raised the alarm in Russia, declaring a rebellion against the country and, more precisely, against the Ministry of Defense. But who is the rebel who, in the words of President Vladimir Putin, stabbed his homeland “in the back” and then unexpectedly retreated?
The founder of the paramilitary group is described as ruthless, shameless and lawless. New York Times. He is 62 years old and was born in St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad, the hometown of the Russian president.
Considered controversial and not very coherent, Prigozhin is one of the brightest faces regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and it is an inevitable fact that thanks to his leadership, Russia has made great strides on Ukrainian soil.
“Putin’s Chef”: From Hot Dog Vendor to Food Tycoon
According to British newspaper The keeper, Prigozhin has been known as “Putin’s chef” for decades. This nickname is associated with the catering company he owns and the contract with the Kremlin.
In the 1980s, the leader of a paramilitary group was sentenced to nine years in prison for robbery and theft. When he was released, he started selling hot dogs in his hometown. Over the years, he began to gain popularity and develop in the food industry. Today he is a tycoon and one of the most powerful names in Russia. It should be noted that relations with Vladimir Putin played a key role in the rise of Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The Wagner Group was founded in 2014.
In accordance with CNN International, The 62-year-old man became a combatant in 2014 during the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movements in Dombassa in eastern Ukraine. In the same year, the Wagner Group was formed.
However, Wagner troops were already in Syria, Libya, Venezuela, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Mali and Ukraine.
For some time, Yevgeny Prigozhin denied any connection with the mercenaries, but in 2022 he suggested that he had founded a group and was fighting on the side of Russia on the territory of Ukraine.
Red alert: Wagner rises up against the fatherland
The war in Ukraine began today, February 24, 2022, a year and four months ago. The conflict has already had different narratives and is currently marked by a paramilitary uprising against the country itself. The head of Wagner accused the Ministry of Defense of attacking his troops and announced his desire to overthrow the Moscow military leadership.
Putin called Yevgeny Prigozhin’s actions a “betrayal” and promised harsh “punishments.” “Our response will be tough. We will do everything to protect Russia. [russo] they are traitors. We are trying to protect our Motherland,” the Russian leader said.
The leader of the Wagner group reacted to the statements of the President of Russia and assured that his fighters did not intend to surrender.
“Regarding the betrayal of the Motherland, the President was deeply mistaken. We are patriots. We fought and fought (…) and no one is going to surrender at the request of the President, the FSB or anyone else. “, he wrote on Telegram.
Author: morning Post
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Tifany Hawkins, a professional journalist with years of experience in news reporting. I currently work for a prominent news website and write articles for 24NewsReporters as an author. My primary focus is on economy-related stories, though I am also experienced in several other areas of journalism.