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The Wagner group, a band of rebel mercenaries, have begun the process of pulling back their fighters and equipment from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.
This is in response to the leader of the group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has halted the fighters’ march on Moscow. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The pullback was confirmed by reporters from both AFP and Reuters, who were on the ground in Rostov-on-Don. They witnessed a tank, cargo trucks, and several minivans carrying fighters leave the military headquarters that the group had previously occupied.
As a result of the pullback, authorities in the southern Russian region of Lipetsk have begun lifting the restrictions that were previously in place.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has had a second telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was to inform him of the results of his talks with Wagner mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. The talks likely centered on the decision to pull back the fighters.
This news comes from the Belarusian state news agency, Belta.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that his forces could protect Europe from Russian forces. He also urged that now is the time to provide all the necessary weapons for their defense. Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukrainian forces had made advances near Bakhmut and in areas further south.
Wagner chief Prigozhin has stated that his fighters are turning around and returning to their bases in order to prevent any bloodshed.
This news will come as a relief to many who feared that the ongoing conflict could escalate further. While this decision marks a significant moment, tensions between Russia and Ukraine look set to continue.
News of the pullback has also raised concerns in Israel. Citizens have been urged to reconsider their travel plans to Russia, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene security chiefs to discuss the situation.
Israel is no stranger to conflict, and it is not surprising that they view this latest news with caution.
Ukraine President Zelenskyy has made a bold claim regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He has stated that Putin is likely “very scared” and is hiding as rebel mercenaries close in on Moscow. It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to this news.