WSJ: US Delays Wagner Sanctions Over Putin Concerns
The US is reportedly delaying new sanctions on the Wagner group's alleged gold business in Africa, including a mining operation in the Central African Republic, due to concerns of appearing to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The delay comes after Wagner's leader, Yevgeni Prigozhin, announced storming the Rostov region and taking over the military headquarters in response to what he claims was a Russian attack on his troops. The US had previously sanctioned the group for its alleged role in misinformation efforts and involvement in the Ukrainian war, but the Biden administration planned to tighten the screws on its international commercial empire.