Return of Wagner Mercenaries to Bases; Italy: The 'Myth' of Russian Unity is Over

On Saturday, Wagner mercenaries ended their unprecedented rebellion against Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, by exiting the city of Rostov and halting their advance towards Moscow. According to an agreement mediated by Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of the Wagner group, will relocate to Belarus, and the security of the group's members will be ensured upon their return to their bases. According to Reuters, the Wagner rebellion has raised serious questions about Putin's dominance over Russia. The Italian Foreign Minister stated that this rebellion has destroyed the 'myth' of Russian unity. Antonio Tajani noted that the Russian front is now weaker than before, and this rebellion is an inevitable result of the support and financing of a legion of mercenaries. Prigozhin, 62, who has participated in the bloodiest battles during Putin's 16-month occupation of Ukraine, cited the removal of corrupt and ineffective commanders as the reason for the advance towards Moscow. He was seen late Saturday leaving the group's military headquarters in Rostov in a sports car. His current whereabouts are unknown. Social media posts show a convoy of armored vehicles and tanks of Wagner mercenaries retreating from the city amid the cheers of Rostov residents. The support of Rostov's residents for the Wagner group is likely to raise further concerns among officials in Moscow, who have shown less tolerance towards dissenters in recent months. Moscow appeared calm on Sunday, with Red Square closed and security measures slightly increased in the streets. Monday has also been declared a non-working day to allow the fervor of this rebellion to fully subside. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated that under the agreement, the criminal case against Prigozhin for armed rebellion will be dropped, he will relocate to Belarus, and his supporting fighters will not face any legal action in recognition of their services to Russia. According to Peskov, Lukashenko, who has personally known Prigozhin for 20 years, offered to mediate, and Putin accepted it. The Kremlin spokesperson refrained from commenting on whether any other concessions besides security guarantees were given to Prigozhin. Biden's discussion with European leaders regarding Russia; Prigozhin ordered his mercenaries to retreat. The foreign ministers of the U.S. and Ukraine discussed tensions in Russia over the phone. Initial reactions from Iranian officials following the armed rebellion of the Wagner group: it is an internal matter. Blinken, in discussions with G7 foreign ministers: Washington's support for Ukraine will not change. The commander of Wagner stated: we are heading to Moscow; Russia is drowning in corruption and deception. The Wagner group claimed to have control of Rostov; Putin gave a speech. What do we know about the Wagner group? The most serious challenge to Putin's long-standing regime. Iranian users welcomed the 'battle of beasts between Wagner and the thugs of the Putin army.'