Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, filmed critical moments in the Russian offensive into Ukraine. This Saturday, he put Russia on high alert by declaring an uprising against the country and, more specifically, the Ministry of Defense. But who is the rebel who, in the words of President Vladimir Putin, stabbed his homeland in the back, but ended up unexpectedly retreating?
The founder of the paramilitary group has been 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 unanimous, Prigozhin is one of the brightest faces in the conflict in Ukraine, and it is an inescapable 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 keeperPrigozhin has been known as “Putin’s chef” for decades. The nickname comes from the catering company he owns and the contract it has with the Kremlin.
In the 1980s, a paramilitary leader 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 the relationship with Vladimir Putin played a central role in the rise of Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The Wagner Group was founded in 2014.
In accordance with CNN International, The 62-year-old became a combatant in 2014 during the 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 Ukrainian soil.
Red alert: Wagner rises up against the fatherland
The war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, exactly one year and four months ago. The conflict has already had different versions, and is currently marked by a rebellion by a paramilitary group against the country itself. The head of Wagner accused the Ministry of Defense of attacking his troops and announced his desire to overthrow the military leadership of Moscow.
Putin called Yevgeny Prigozhin’s actions a “betrayal” and promised harsh “punishments.” “Our response will be tough. We will do everything to protect Russia. Anyone who will take up arms against the army [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.
“As for the betrayal of the Motherland, the President was deeply mistaken. We are patriots. We fought and fought (…) and no one intends to surrender at the request of the President, the FSB or anyone else. “, he said on Telegram.