Russia civil war fears as Wagner group chief wants to be President of Ukraine

2023-03-12

A pal of Russian president Vladimir Putin has claimed he intends to run for the presidency of war-torn Ukraine in 2024.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, financier of the Wagner Group of mercenaries fighting for Russia in the bloody conflict, made the shocking statement.

According to Newsweek, it appeared to be a dig at Russian military leaders amid a stalling war effort and lack of ammunition for soldiers.

READ MORE: Charles Bronson feeling 'positive' after parole hearing as he says he's 'an angel now'

Prigozhin said he had "political ambitions" for next year, adding: "I have decided to run for president in 2024."

The businessman was clad in army gear and spoke as what appeared to be gunfire could be heard in the background. He then added he wanted to run for "president of Ukraine".

Prigozhin declared his fighters had "practically encircled" the city of Bakhmut and Ukrainian officials said fighting was becoming increasingly difficult.

Only 4,500 people remain in the destroyed place which had a population of about 70,000 before the conflict.

Ukranian internal affairs adviser Anton Gerashchenko tweeted Prigozhin's video – and was not happy.

He wrote: "Prigozhin said he wants to run for president of Ukraine in 2024. This statement is intended to divert attention from his political ambitions in Russia where he dreams of coming to power and possibly being Putin's successors."

It comes after we revealed the tide could be turning against Putin as he risks losing two major allies. Since sending troops to war, Russia has been able to count on Hungary and Turkey for support.

But both could slowly be changing stance. Hungarian President Viktor Orbán addressed the issue during an economic forum in Budapest on March 9.

"I understand the need to rebuild Russian-European relations after the war, but it's far from realistic," Orbán said. "That is why Hungary's foreign and economic policy must carefully reflect on the type of relationship we can establish and maintain with Russia in the next 10 to 15 years."

READ NEXT:

Eighteen female guards at UK's biggest prison sacked for hooking up with inmates
Cardiff crash survivor learns his 3 pals have died and issues three line statement
Man stabbed to death inside UK nightclub as murder investigation launched
Inside sex-scandal hotel ruined by fire with trashed bedrooms and untouched grand piano
Prince Andrew is 'complaining' the Queen 'didn't leave him any inheritance'

Source: Read Full Article