In a recent press conference held in The Hague, Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed grave concern over the presence of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Belarus. Duda, who was visiting the Netherlands for talks with political leaders from various NATO member countries, emphasized the need for a robust and resolute response from the alliance.
During his discussions with leaders from the Netherlands, Romania, Lithuania, Norway, Belgium, Albania, and NATO Secretary General, Duda highlighted the forthcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, where the issue of Prigozhin’s flight to Belarus after his failed rebellion against Russian leader Vladimir Putin will be a key topic of discussion.
“The presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus and Prigozhin’s involvement is an extremely serious and troubling problem,” remarked President Duda. “Decisive action is required. In my view, NATO must respond firmly.”
Although President Duda did not elaborate on the specific nature of the response, he stressed the urgency of addressing the situation promptly and with determination.
Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Belarus just three days after the failed mutiny by his Wagner Group against President Putin. The confirmation of Prigozhin’s presence in Belarus was made by Reuters on Tuesday.
The rebellion initiated by the Wagner Group began when Prigozhin reported that Russian regular forces had launched an attack on their camp, resulting in multiple casualties. Claiming the intention to “restore justice” within the armed forces, Prigozhin warned against any opposition to his actions. He subsequently ordered his troops to march on Moscow but later decided to recall them from Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia to prevent further bloodshed.
As the whereabouts of Prigozhin remain unknown since Saturday night, President Duda’s call for a resolute NATO response underscores the significance of addressing the issue during the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. The presence of Russian mercenaries in Belarus presents a serious challenge that demands a firm and coordinated action by the alliance.