Wagner’s leader is dead and his private army is in ruins. In Russia, however, there is fear of Prigozhin’s soldiers returning to their Russian hometowns. Wagner Group was already weakened before the plane crash that killed Evgeny Prigozhin and his closest man, Dmitry Utkin. After the failed coup attempt and retreat to Belarus, Wagner’s days were numbered. With Prigozhin gone, Putin has gotten rid of a dangerous enemy. However, for many in the Russian population, the soldiers of the private army are an ongoing threat, especially the convicted criminals who participated in the war in Ukraine. It is estimated that as many as 80,000 former prisoners have been recruited to fight on the Russian side since the invasion, with the majority ending up with Prigozhin. Surviving prisoners were pardoned after their time on the frontlines. However, many soldiers’ return has resulted in brutal acts of violence, causing constant fear among the residents. There have been reports of murders, rapes, fights, and general disorder among the returning soldiers. Olga Romanova, who works for prisoners’ rights, claims that the problem is much worse than previously thought. Russia continues with secret pardoning processes to recruit violent criminals for the war in Ukraine. Putin has downplayed the negative consequences of this situation, but according to Romanova, it has opened a Pandora’s box that will affect generations to come.
