Wagner Founder Claims Credit For 'Capture' Of Soledar As Battle Continues

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) are suggesting that Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Private Military Co. (PMC), is promoting the Wagner PMC and trying to discredit the Russian forces by showing his mercenaries in action in Soledar and claiming victory over Ukrainian forces, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Photo Insert: Koper of salt mine in Soledar

ISW analysts stressed that Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin continues to use the Wagner PMC’s role in “capturing” Soledar to elevate his political stature and indirectly criticize the Russian regular armed forces.

ISW noted that Prigozhin published footage on 14 January which he claimed was filmed in Soledar and promoted Wagner’s claimed role in capturing the town, which is still being defended by Ukrainian troops as of Jan. 15, 2023.

The report said: "Prigozhin introduced the Wagner Group commander who oversaw the capture of the settlement and extolled Wagner’s capabilities compared to the conventional Russian military."

Prigozhin bragged that the Wagner PMC had “succeeded: due to its wealth of experience, its independence, its effective military equipment and its superior management system.

He claimed the Wagner PMC’s management system incentivizes commanders and subordinates to work closely together on the ground and allows the complaints of regular fighters to be heard.

The experts have suggested that Prigozhin was likely advertising for further recruitment to the Wagner PMC and denigrating the regular Russian forces and lobbying for an increased role for Wagner PMC - and himself - in the war in Ukraine. Yet, fighting goes on in Soledar, with PMC foot soldiers dying.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic