No need for new mobilization to replace Wagner, says Russian defense official

The Russian Ministry of Defense has denied the rumors that it is planning to mobilize new troops to replace the Wagner Group mercenaries in Libya. The ministry’s spokesperson, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said in a statement that the reports were “baseless and false”.

The Wagner Group is a private military company that has been accused of supporting the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar, in the civil war against the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). The United Nations and several Western countries have condemned the presence of Wagner Group in Libya, saying it violates the arms embargo and threatens the stability of the country.

Konashenkov said that Russia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya, and supports the efforts of the UN to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. He also said that Russia has no military personnel or equipment in Libya, and that any claims to the contrary are “fabricated by some media outlets and foreign intelligence services”.

He added that the Wagner Group is not affiliated with the Russian state or its armed forces, and that its activities are “outside the legal framework of Russia”. He said that the Russian government has no control over the Wagner Group, and that it is not responsible for its actions.

Konashenkov said that the rumors of a new mobilization were aimed at “creating a negative image of Russia in the region and undermining its constructive role in resolving the Libyan crisis”. He urged the media and the public to be critical of such “fake news” and to rely on official sources of information.