The Wagner mercenary group has detained a regular Russian army officer after he allegedly opened fire on a Wagner vehicle in Ukraine. In a video released by the group, the officer confesses that the incident occurred while he was drunk, citing his personal animosity towards Wagner. The relationship between Wagner and Russia’s regular army has been tense, despite fighting on the same side. The group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has frequently criticized Russia’s defense officials, accusing them of inadequate support during the battle for Bakhmut.
The officer admits to firing at the Wagner vehicle while under the influence of alcohol due to his personal dislike for the group. He also claims that his subordinates disarmed a group of Wagner fighters, although it’s unclear if this is related to the same incident. Shortly before the video’s release, Prigozhin published a report alleging that Russian defense ministry-affiliated groups had planted explosives on the roads used by Wagner fighters to withdraw from Bakhmut.
While the claims made by the Wagner group are difficult to verify, they highlight the strained relationship between the private military company and Russia’s defense ministry. Prigozhin has been openly critical of Russia’s military leadership, suggesting that the Russian army has lost control of some positions around Bakhmut and calling it a “disgrace.” He has called on Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, to visit the front line and rally the troops.
Source: BBC