The founder of Russia’s shadowy Wagner mercenary group has appeared in leaked footage attempting to recruit prisoners to fight in Ukraine.
In filmed footage, verified by the BBC, Yevgeniy Prigozhin can be seen addressing a large group of detainees.
Mr Prigozhin told prisoners their sentences would be commuted in exchange for service with his group.
The video would confirm long-running speculation that Russia hopes to boost its forces by recruiting convicts.
While Russian law does not allow commutation of prison sentences in exchange for mercenary service, Mr Prigozhin insisted that “nobody goes back behind bars” if they serve with his group.
“If you serve six months (in Wagner), you are free,” he said. But he warned potential recruits against desertion and said “if you arrive in Ukraine and decide it’s not for you, we will execute you”.
He also informed prisoners of Wagner’s rules banning alcohol, drugs and “sexual contacts with local women, flora, fauna, men – anything.” BBC
