Russia to push back on criticism of armed groups like Wagner

Russian lawmakers on Tuesday voted on a text that would “discredit” armed groups like Wagner, a move already in place for the Russian military and helping to stifle critics of the offensive in Ukraine.

• Read more: Wagner opens recruiting centers throughout Russia

• Read more: Wagner Militants, “A Mighty Enemy”

The Duma, the lower house of parliament, pointed out that “the fact of discrediting Russia’s armed forces extends to volunteers, organizations and bodies of natural persons who help the armed forces carry out their mission.” , on its website.

“Everyone and citizens who risk their lives today to ensure the security of the country are protected from provocations and lies,” Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin estimated, noting that “sanctions will be as severe as 15.” Years of Deprivation of Freedom.”

Private armed groups are at the heart of Russia’s military presence in Ukraine. Wagner’s group, largely recruited in Russian prisons in particular, is thus at the forefront of Bagmouth, the heart of the fighting in eastern Ukraine.

But Wagner, who operates with great autonomy in the field, maintains tense relations with the civil service and the Ministry of Defense, accusing them of incompetence or treason for running out of ammunition from the artillery.

This private armed group, led by Evguéni Prigojine, is also present on other continents, particularly in Africa, where, according to its opponents, it carries out basic tasks for the Kremlin.

Shortly after launching its offensive against Ukraine, Russia introduced a series of criminal sanctions to stifle any criticism of the military.

Prominent protesters and ordinary citizens have been arrested, and some have already been tried and sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for their criticism, such as Ilya Iachin, who was sentenced in December to eight and a half years in prison.

Another Russian opposition figure, Vladimir Gara-Mourza, went on trial on Monday and faces up to 25 years in prison. He has been charged with sedition and spreading “false information” about the army.