Qatar voices deep concern over developments in Russia

By Omar Alothmani

ISTANBUL (AA) – Qatar on Saturday voiced deep concern over developments in Russia amid tension between the Kremlin and the Wagner paramilitary group.

“The State of Qatar is following, with deep concern, the developments in the Russian Federation, which resulted from the mutiny against the army,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry called for restraint, reason and “sparing civilians the repercussions of confrontation.”

"The escalation in Russia and Ukraine will have negative repercussions on international peace and security, and on food and energy supplies, which are already affected by the Russian-Ukrainian crisis," the ministry said.

The ministry reiterated “Qatar’s firm stance on adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of international law, and the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.”

Qatar called for dialogue and peaceful ways “to resolve differences, in a way that achieves security and stability in Russia and Ukraine, and ends the crisis in accordance with the relevant international legitimacy resolutions.”

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin of treason, after his 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 his paramilitary group.

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

Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine on Feb. 24 last year.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi