Wagner forces not engaged in Ukraine in any significant way, says US Pentagon

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Wagner fighters stand on a tank in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, during their brief mutiny.

Wagner fighters on a tank in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24, during their brief mutiny.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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WASHINGTON The Wagner mercenary group is not participating in military operations in Ukraine in any significant way, the US Pentagon said on Thursday, more than two weeks after

the group staged a brief armed mutiny in Russia.

“At this stage, we do not see Wagner forces participating in any significant capacity in support of combat operations in Ukraine,” said Pentagon Air Force Brigadier-General Patrick Ryder.

Wagner fighters had waged some of the fiercest and bloodiest battles during

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But in the wake of the June 23 to 24 revolt, fighters were given the option of going into exile, joining Russia’s regular forces or going home.

On Wednesday, Russia’s Defence Ministry said

Wagner was completing its handover of weapons

to Russia’s regular armed forces. REUTERS

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