ISW suggested why Lukashenka called Prigozhin

The stay of the head of the PMC Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin on the territory of Belarus can be useful for Alexander Lukashenko. This was announced on Tuesday, June 27, by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War ISW.

They believe that the self-proclaimed president of Belarus is probably trying to use the Wagner group to gain “maneuvering room.” Moreover, he may seek to take it under his control.

“Lukashenko is likely looking to use the Wagner Group in Belarus to gain wiggle room to balance the Kremlin’s takeover campaign in Belarus and is likely looking to carefully control any Wagner Group forces currently in Belarus,” said of analysts’ report.

Lukashenka himself, as stated by the state information agency BelTA, said that he hopes that the commanders from PMC Wagner will share their experience and help the armed forces of the Republic of Belarus to improve their skills .

“They will tell about weapons: which worked well, which did not. And tactics, and weapons, and how to attack, how to defend. This is priceless. This is what we need to take from Wagnerites. There is nothing to fear. We keep our ears sharp,” Lukashenka said. .

It will be remembered that on June 23, the head of PMC Wagner announced a demarche against the Russian military leadership, including against the Minister of Defense of Russia Sergei Shoigu. On June 24, Prigogine sent columns of “Wagnerites” to Moscow.

Lukashenka spoke to Prigozhin, after which he announced that the group’s fighters had returned to the field camps. On June 27, Lukashenka confirmed Prigozhin’s arrival in Belarus.