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Prigozhin in Belarus as Ukraine presses in Donetsk
Summary
A look back at 28 June 2023, days after the Wagner rebellion ended, as Ukrainian forces advanced and Australia pledged new aid.
What did the days around 28 June 2023 look like for Ukraine and its neighbours? Three developments, reported on 26 and 27 June, set the picture: a Wagner leader in Belarus, a small Ukrainian advance in Donetsk Oblast, and a new Australian aid pledge.
Prigozhin arrives in Belarus
On 27 June 2023, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, had arrived in Belarus. He said the move followed the agreement reached with the Russian government.
The arrangement came after the short Wagner rebellion. Major action began on the evening of 23 June 2023 and ended on the evening of 24 June, after talks between Lukashenko and Prigozhin. Under the terms, the criminal case against Prigozhin for armed rebellion was to be closed, Wagner was to move to field camps, and Prigozhin was to go to Belarus.
Small gains in Donetsk Oblast
On 26 June 2023, Ukrainian forces recaptured the uninhabited village of Rivnopil in Donetsk Oblast, according to Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar. She described it as the ninth village retaken in the past month.
Australian aid
Also on 26 June 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a military aid package for Ukraine worth AU$110 million.
Taken together, the reports showed Ukrainian forces continuing to retake villages in Donetsk Oblast, foreign military support still being announced, and the Wagner leader relocating to Belarus under a deal with Moscow.
