Satellite photographs, experiences counsel Belarus constructing military camp for Wagner fighters

Satellite photographs analyzed by the Associated Press on Saturday confirmed what gave the impression to be a newly constructed military-style camp in Belarus, with statements from a Belarusian guerrilla group and officers suggesting it might be used to deal with fighters from the Wagner mercenary group.

The photographs offered by Planet Labs PLC counsel that dozens of tents have been erected inside the previous two weeks at a former navy base exterior Osipovichi, a city 230 kilometers (142 miles) north of the Ukrainian border. A satellite tv for pc photograph taken on Jun. 15 exhibits no signal of the rows of white and inexperienced buildings which are clearly seen in a later picture, dated Jun. 30.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his fighters escaped prosecution and have been provided refuge in Belarus final week after Minsk helped dealer a deal to finish what gave the impression to be an armed rebel by the mercenary group. The abortive revolt noticed Wagner troops who had fought alongside Russia forces in Ukraine seize a navy headquarters in southern Russia and march a whole bunch of kilometers (miles) towards Moscow, seemingly unimpeded.

Belarus’ authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, mentioned his nation, an in depth and dependent ally of Moscow, may use Wagner’s expertise and experience, and introduced that he had provided the fighters an “abandoned military unit” to arrange camp.

Aliaksandr Azarau, chief of the anti-Lukashenko BYPOL guerrilla group of former navy members, informed The Associated Press by cellphone on Thursday that building of a web site for Wagner mercenaries was underway close to Osipovichi.

Up to eight,000 fighters from Wagner’s personal navy power could also be deployed in Belarus, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s border power informed Ukrainian media Saturday. Speaking to the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper, Andriy Demchenko mentioned Ukraine would strengthen its 1,084 kilometer (674 mile) border with Belarus in response.

Lukashenko beforehand allowed the Kremlin to make use of Belarusian territory to ship troops and weapons into Ukraine. He has additionally welcomed a continued Russian armed presence in Belarus, together with joint navy camps and workouts, in addition to the deployment of a few of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons there.

Demchenko informed Ukrainska Pravda on Saturday that as of this week, some 2,000 troops from common Russian military items remained stationed in Belarus.

At a Friday night gala marking the Belarusian Independence Day, Lukashenko mentioned that the Belarusian armed forces may benefit from coaching by Wagner members, and asserted that the mercenaries have been “not a threat” to Belarusians.

He additionally declared that he was “sure” Belarus wouldn’t have to make use of the nuclear weapons deployed to its territory, and wouldn’t get instantly concerned in Moscow’s struggle towards Ukraine.