Wagner Group's Actions Spark Tensions and Accusations in Russia and Ukraine.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner group, has publicly refused an attempt by the Russian defence ministry to bring his fighting force under its sway. The defence ministry had ordered all "volunteer detachments" to sign contracts with his ministry by the end of the month, a step it said would increase the effectiveness of the Russian army. Prigozhin said Wagner was completely subordinate to the interests of Russia but that its highly efficient command structure would be damaged by reporting to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.