Wagner completes handover of weapons to Russian military

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Wagner group has completed the delivery of weapons, nearly three weeks after the force rebelled.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov announced on July 12 that the private military corporation Wagner has transferred about 2,000 pieces of equipment and more than 2,500 tons of ammunition to the regular army. These include many modern main battle tanks and artillery systems, with dozens of weapons never used in combat.

Reuters said the transfer of weapons to the Russian Defense Ministry was a sign that Wagner was withdrawing from combat operations in Ukraine. The move comes nearly three weeks after Wagner tycoon Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a rebellion on June 24.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow, Russia in April. Photo: Reuters — Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in Moscow, Russia, in April. Photo: *Reuters*

The rebellion ended within 24 hours when Wagner and the Kremlin reached an agreement, brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, for Wagner to return to his barracks. Wagner was granted immunity from prosecution and left Russia for Belarus.

Prigozhin was spotted earlier this month traveling by private jet to St. Petersburg, Russia, to retrieve weapons previously confiscated by security officials. Wagner received several rifles and pistols, including one engraved with Prigozhin’s name, given to him by Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu when their relationship was still cordial.