Putin's Decree on Wagner Mercenaries 



Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree calling on all employees of Wagner and other Russian private military contractors to swear allegiance to the Russian state. This applies to those engaged in military activities in Ukraine, assisting the army, and serving in territorial defence units. The decree, signed on Friday, takes immediate effect.

The decision follows the presumed deaths of Wagner leaders in a recent plane crash. Additionally, a far-right subunit of Wagner known as Rusich has announced a halt to military operations in Ukraine, accusing Russia's foreign ministry of failing to protect a founding member of the group who is now facing extradition.

The decree aims to strengthen the spiritual and moral foundations of Russia's defence and includes a commitment to obey commanders' orders. Experts suggest that Putin's move is aimed at reasserting control over Wagner following a mutiny in June. Natia Seskuria of the Royal United Services Institute stated, "Putin wants to have tighter control on Wagner to make sure he won't be facing another crisis in the future."

With the absence of clear leadership among Wagner mercenaries due to the plane crash, the decree holds implications. Analysts suggest that this message from Putin is also a concealed directive for military intelligence to track and prosecute Wagner fighters. It poses a choice for the fighters: to take the oath and follow orders or face consequences.

The tension escalated after Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Wagner leader, refused to sign an army contract scheme proposed by the Russian defence ministry in June. Prigozhin's refusal led to a mutiny, straining his relationship with Putin. While the decree may have short-term effects, experts speculate on its impact on the loyalty of Wagner fighters in the long term.