Lukashenko Confirms Wagner Chief Prigozhin's Return to Russia

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko stated that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, is not currently in Belarus, suggesting he may be in Russia. Lukashenko also mentioned that Wagner's fighters have remained at their encampments, following Prigozhin's announcement to stand down from their march on Moscow. Prigozhin was exiled from Russia after leading an aborted mutiny against Moscow's military establishment in June. Last week, Lukashenko claimed Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus, but his whereabouts have been a mystery. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Wagner forces have not yet arrived in Belarus.