Wagner Group in Belarus spells trouble, Eastern Europe’s NATO allies warn – National | 24CA News
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is reassuring allies that the alliance will defend “every inch of NATO territory” as Eastern European member international locations are elevating considerations in regards to the presence of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group in Belarus.
Their feedback comply with this previous weekend’s transient mutiny — a uncommon problem to the regime.
Just a day after Stoltenberg referred to as the rise up by the mercenary group a “demonstration of weakness” in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, he was attempting to allay fears by some international locations, together with Poland and Lithuania.
“We have sent a clear message to Moscow and Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally,” he mentioned throughout a press convention Tuesday. “We have already increased our military presence in the eastern part of the alliance and we will make further decisions to further strengthen our collective defence with more high-readiness forces and more capabilities at the upcoming summit.”
However, regardless of the reassurance, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda cautioned that the potential deployment of Wagner’s troops in Belarus risked “greater danger of instability” for bordering international locations.
“If Wagner deploys its serial killers in Belarus, all neighbouring countries face even greater danger of instability,” he mentioned. “Under such circumstances, deterrence and forward defence is a top priority.”
Germany mentioned Monday that it was able to station a 4,000-strong military brigade in Lithuania completely.
Polish President Andrzej Duda additionally expressed concern over Wagner’s presence, warning NATO should work to strengthen its jap flank. The nation just lately tightened safety at its border with Belarus in response to phrase that Wagner chief Yegeny Prigozhin would quickly reside there.
“In my opinion, this is really a serious and very concerning problem, and we have discussed it, and we have to make some decisions, very strong decisions. It, in my opinion, requires a very, very, very tough answer (from) NATO,” Duda mentioned.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed on Tuesday that Prigozhin, in addition to different exiled members of the group, have been capable of reside in Belarus and supplied them an deserted navy base to erect their tents.
He had supplied refuge to the group after he brokered the deal which helped cease the mutiny that came about over the weekend after a feud erupted between Progozhin and Russia’s high navy brass amid the warfare in Ukraine. Fighters from the group left the Ukraine entrance to grab a Russian metropolis and marched seemingly unopposed on the capital, earlier than turning round after lower than 24 hours on Saturday.
Preparations are underway for Wagner at hand over its heavy weapons to the Russian navy, Prigozhin has mentioned, forward of a July 1 deadline for his troops to signal contracts to serve underneath the Russian navy’s command.
Russian authorities additionally introduced Tuesday they’d closed a legal investigation into the rebellion and are urgent no prices in opposition to Prigozhin or his followers after the negotiated deal.
Putin mentioned on Monday that organizers of the mutiny had “lured” different troopers who participated, however he had allowed it to go on so long as it did to keep away from bloodshed. He additionally confirmed the downing of some Russian planes, paying tribute to the pilots who had died, however didn’t specify what number of had been killed.
The feedback by the 2 presidents and Stoltenberg got here throughout a gathering for a small group of leaders forward of a gathering of the total NATO alliance set for July 11-12.
Stoltenberg mentioned that it was too early to make “final conclusions on the long-term consequences” of Wagner for NATO, and that the alliance was intently monitoring developments.
He mentioned that the mutiny in Russia was “internal Russian matters,” however confirmed the impression that Russia’s warfare in Ukraine has had.
“Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine has deepened divisions and created new tensions in Russia,” he mentioned. “At the same time, we must not underestimate Russia, so it’s even more important that we continue to provide Ukraine with our support.”
The mutiny has left governments each pleasant and hostile to Russia to search for solutions about what may occur subsequent, with U.S. President Joe Biden telling reporters that allies agreed they’d give Putin “no excuse” responsible the weekend’s occasions on the West.
“We made it clear that we were not involved. We had nothing to do with it. This is part of a struggle within the Russian system,” he mentioned.
Duda has mentioned he’s hopeful the menace posed by Wagner forces can be on the agenda for the July assembly of NATO.
— with information from Global News’ Aaron D’Andrea, The Associated Press and Reuters
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
