British premier urges Wagner, Russian forces to protect civilian lives

Rishi Sunak adds he will be in contact with leaders of allied countries, Ukraine

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday urged the Wagner paramilitary group and Russian forces to act responsibly and protect civilian lives as tensions escalate between the former partners.

Speaking to BBC, Sunak said he will be in touch with the leaders of the allied countries as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“We’re keeping a close eye on the situation, as it’s evolving on the ground as we speak,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin of treason in a national address on Saturday, after the paramilitary fighters crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia, entering the city of Rostov-on-Don.

Prigozhin accused Russian forces of attacking his fighters, a claim Moscow denies.

Prigozhin has, in recent months, repeatedly accused the Russian Defense Ministry and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu of not supplying sufficient arms to the paramilitary group.

Wagner has been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine.

Kaynak:

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