Wagner chief 'frees' Russian convicts who fought in Ukraine

The founder of the Russian Wagner private military company, Yevgeny Prigozhin, brought a group of former fighters who completed their service in Ukraine to the Republic of Karelia in Russia's north-west, Prigozhin's press service reported on Tuesday (January 17).
Addressing them, he said that while he had needed their criminal talents to kill the enemy in Ukraine, those talents are no longer needed - giving them free rein to rejoin his Wagner private military company or else go and live their lives.
The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world
Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know
Read The Sun: www.thesun.co.uk
Like The Sun on Facebook: / thesun
Follow The Sun on Twitter: / thesun
Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: / 1633225139
#ukraine #russia #ukrainewar #ukrainenews

[@tomassali8870]

I agree with this. They put their lives on the line to serve the country, risked it, survived and that’s why deserve to be free

[@bohdan519]

but imagine living with these criminals, who tend to kill, and killed in Ukraine for personal needs.

[@realcritical-kr2dd]

@@bohdan519 they deserve a second chance to live in society. They are fighting for their lives to redeem themselves from the past what they have done. I'm sure you'd do the same as these criminals are. These guys are based off of the Dirlewanger Brigade Unit. They earn their freedom for completing their task as told by their CO. If not then continue to live in your cell to rot for the remainder of your life, alone.

[@tomassali8870]

@@bohdan519 but they served. Didn’t they? Casually rate is high and deserve to go free. For serving their country

[@bohdan519]

@@tomassali8870 from this perspective - you are right. Though, to hire prisoners is outlaw and to free them is out russian constitution.

[@tomassali8870]

@@bohdan519 no idea about constitution in Russia, I am East European myself but who knows what’s allowed during the wartime

[@majidhussain4301]

Man of his word

[@23ESChambers]

Sure, but the chances of seeing him stay true to his word are a hundred-to-one. Most do not survive, that is the intended fate of these convicts when recruited. Those that come out the other side, unscathed, are nothing short of a miracle; even Prigozhin would consider those individuals to have earned their right to freedom, equally baffled as to how these men made it out.

[@Justmyopinionlol]

Normal Western guys went to war and returned with PTSD and social maladjustment. Russian criminals went to war and returned as freemen and well integrated members of society. Yeah, sth is probably not right with this logic.

[@YellowKurt]

Paid actors

[@livek8312]

More possible criminality in the society now

[@tropicalpalmtree]

I have a lot of respect for Prigozhin. A true man of his word.

[@Ctssss]

If thats true, its a real man.

[@alainportant6412]

@@Ctssss he is a tough guy

[@donveto4317]

Bad guys became good guys who are saving our world from Collective West choke ! Worthy of a movie!

[@toddlucas6073]

I totally agree

[@tortoiseloverboy]

They're dying for a garbage dump lmao

[@dootpooter4740]

@@tortoiseloverboy how dare you call Greater Khazaria a dump, GOY!

[@ianbrown8595]

I wonder how many will go back to the front as volunteers

[@insidiousrage4436]

Less than 5%. The ones who are homeless and broke with no one and need cash

[@DavidGetling]

As long as they are allowed to rape and murder Ukrainian women and children I'm sure a good number will sign up for another stint.

[@SlavaKalibru]

members of a private military company earn a lot of money because of the risk of being killed. most of them will never have a chance to earn the same amount of money elsewhere, so I'm sure more than half of them will return with pleasure.

[@tankourito5419]

@@SlavaKalibru Imagine trying to make mercenary work look better than what it really is.

[@victorzvyagintsev1325]

The pay is good, many will probably find it hard to adjust to civilian life.

[@springbloom5940]

Why is 'frees' in scare quotes? I think everyone is salty that Russia honors their bargains. Unlike some others 🙄

[@RaRa-eu9mw]

Because it's a Russian propaganda video, and is unlikely to have happened as shown.

[@duke01261]

I stand with Russia. Down with US unipolar hegemony!

[@ICMFX]

oerrrraaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@tropicalpalmtree]

Couldn't agree more. I'm disgusted with what the west has become. A degenerate and immoral cesspit of a place.

[@flyflybaby2723]

I love Prigozhin❤

[@very..angry..man..]

As soon as the camera is off back to the front for you lads

[@blastroisehunt6546]

😂

[@ReadyFreddy1011]

😆

[@jimcy1319]

The last guy had two bergans he's already nicking someone's kit.

[@hakeemyo]

😂😂

[@julieclaudel1603]

👍👍👍

[@raymondvanaubel4325]

"The ones, who wants to back to Soledar and Bahmut , we are waiting for you !"

[@blackout07blue]

and dying.

[@freedomwhenneeded]

soledar is over

[@onestepbeyond5221]

@@freedomwhenneeded maybe it's only just begun 🥱

[@rentama3824]

Uraa

[@richardduplessis1090]

Russian casualties are NOWHERE NEAR as high as the Western media says it is.

[@goodkarna]

I'm sure all Russian citizens love this guy. They deserve him.

[@Solder-of-Empire]

He is a great guy. Prigozhin for next president of Russia!

[@Kauppi2]

Ukraine deserves to lose & be poor

[@dexdexon3914]

nobody like biden tho

[@cheburatour]

That's right, we've respect him.

[@ThePsychoPearl__]

Russia’s army is a joke though. They are getting pounded by civilians

[@EdD-ym6le]

Wow they upheld their end of the bargain and the gov stood by their word . Rare as hen's teeth .

[@markclayden7654]

yeah, for the cameras...

[@johntrottier1162]

You sound like a really sharp guy I have this bridge in San Fransisco that I'll sell at a really good price Hurry though, I have some offers already

[@orlandob9958]

I highly doubt that they will be going to university , getting married or any of that other stuff he mentioned. I'm sure it was all for the cameras and I wouldn't be surprised if a few of them show up being killed by Wagner on a video in a few weeks.

[@gresssua]

Criminals of all countries, unite!

[@cleetorres1351]

Makes you wonder how much bumming went on

[@Rza41]

Good Prigojin you are storng boy Slava Russia

[@jacksparrow-ie8uq]

These guys will surely return. That’s the main logic behind recruiting them. They won’t find a place in society,won’t find work. Those who wish to take further sturdy , go on man and Offcourse with prighozin’s blessing

[@czxcz]

This is not America. Please stop thinking its the same in every other country like it is in shittyamerica

[@realcritical-kr2dd]

What good is there in the civilian world? Nothing! Pure shenanigans and nothing special here in society. The military is home

[@rdrgtreer]

I think in opposite they will wear it as a badge of honor when they reintegrate into society. Russia is not woke like America.

[@M.M0709]

They'll always be welcome back. Not only have they paid their debt to society, but they've gone above and beyond.

[@redsun2589]

Prigogine helps those who left the vanger due to injury or former prisoners to get civilian jobs. Also, all fighters in the event of a severe injury or injury receive a pension from the company.

[@cagonzal13]

Soon as the bus drives away it explodes mysteriously

[@darkmatter6714]

“Get married or baptized with my blessing”. He’s a priest now?

[@SuperSimpleasthat]

He is a God

[@mostlymessingabout]

"Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops. Imagine where you will be, and it will be so. Hold the line! Stay with me! Brothers: What we do in Life echoes in Eternity...."

[@christeleokhanyabezu8881]

Criminal talents 😂

[@JohnSmith-pj4ds]

guess that's true freedom, a volunteer penal battalions is peak freedom.

[@alvaroq2024]

Once inside the moving bus an explosive device was detonated by the same guy who gave them freedom!😳

[@power2084]

and Russia blamed the Ukrainian terrorists lol

[@abikeanditsboy3449]

Sadly, that would not surprise me in the least.

[@user-mt8vp7pi5u]

CNN told you that? You western clown

[@jurijmatajdl177]

That is praxe only in the west, in the east word is contract.

[@lambertlum1087]

@@jurijmatajdl177 Word is contract? No, Putin is contract. Putin is the law. Putin can imprison or kill anyone who disagrees with him.

[@kells19]

Wow that's really nice..

[@robertch.519]

Man of steel

[@benlarrson6081]

straight on the bus back to ukraine

[@WatEverMan2009]

Made it through the minefield did they?

[@usernwn7qe]

If you had the choice would you havent done it ?

[@iamjustaperson6433]

Yeah they did…..

[@muzwot9603]

The grave of the unknown soldier might not be a thing of shame, it is basically the reality of the long history of warfare....

[@gsc512]

You run it like it's unacceptable. This story at Norway freed one and you're praising him and acting as if he's a James Bond... Just saying I guess that's what fit your narrative

[@Silo-Ren]

500 hundred guy's freed, 49,500 dead and the bus makes a u-turn.

[@stroynyy4808]

do you know how many Ukrainians were killed?

[@user-mt8vp7pi5u]

Nice joke Wagner still on the advance 🤣😘

[@Silo-Ren]

@@user-mt8vp7pi5u Yep... Straight to the morgue. 🤣😂🤣

[@user-mt8vp7pi5u]

@@Silo-Ren You mean The ukrops yes, they are now mobilize for the 8th time while Russia still mobilize one time☺️😆

[@Silo-Ren]

@@user-mt8vp7pi5u yeah mobilize half of your country which equals 116,000 Ladas plus another 300,000 to go. Lol 😆 oopsie, those 300,000 are fertilizer already. More mobilization coming, you think you have enough tires for Ladas left? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nigelmitchell351]

Well now they are "free", surely they're available for army call up ? Should have stayed in prison.......

[@user-kn6vh9kl6x]

san public A rabble of lovers of sheep and verbiage. The mobilized receive salaries and payments on an equal footing with the professional military.

[@nigelmitchell351]

@@user-kn6vh9kl6x That's not what we're hearing from the intercepted phone calls home..... From what you describe, I wonder why so many men have ran abroad Have you been called up yet comade ?

[@Renard786]

Well the sad truth for the Brits is that apparently a small group of untrained Russian prisoners (Wagner) defeated a much larger group of Ukrainian professional soldiers trained by the "best of the best like the SAS" during the battle of Soledar and now again in Bakmut. Sad affairs of the world. Cheers 🍺

[@user-be9dk6dc6e]

Это они ещё чеченцев с бурятами и тувинцами не видели.....

[@sababugs1125]

Bakhmut fighting is ongoing, it's not lost In soledar they took 6months to take the town of 10k people

[@dimaleoniv7987]

Soledar was taken over by the Wagner's elite, not by yeaterday's inmates. And that costed much for the Wagner. Guess this is the end for Prigozhin being in the favour of Putin. Just doesn't need him anymore without those well trained forces.

[@znakrip]

@@user-be9dk6dc6e Когда на поле боя выйдет (будет выпущен) "Бурятский полк конных водолазов" они вообще обделаются

[@user-be9dk6dc6e]

@@dimaleoniv7987 Будите себя плохо вести ,Темнейший назначит Евгения Викторовича генерал-губернатором Лондонского федерального округа....

[@danielefabbro822]

It's strange, he doesn't have an hammer. 🤔

[@gmane1989]

They do it because they win either way... Either the criminals get some kills or they are killed.. wich in turn means that's one less criminal they have to take care of if they die.

[@user-fg8xc8pq9g]

Yeah dude, every prisoner is a bot led by an instinct to commit evil, brilliant

[@bonwi9746]

that’s how it should be done!

[@Miksuuzz]

you people seriously believe everything these days😂 this is obvious propaganda...

[@realcritical-kr2dd]

@@Miksuuzz could say the same for the Ukrainians too smarty

[@Miksuuzz]

​@@realcritical-kr2dd well of course... never said that it isnt the case? doesnt mean you should believe this obvious propaganda.

[@realcritical-kr2dd]

@@Miksuuzz take off with your ukraine pride shenanigans elsewhere. Least Russia has reason unlike ukraine and their psyops staging battles like yet 🙄

[@Miksuuzz]

@@realcritical-kr2dd a reason? Go ahead and enlighten me what reason does russia have to attack a peaceful country? Ukraine is only fighting back, as it should. Its their land. Judging by your profile picture and your opinions you have no understanding of politics or war in any way. Go back to school, or not since russia doesnt even have education. Its all propaganda and lies.

[@justice3125]

Imagine fighting for someone you don't like against someone you don't hate!

[@jacobbrockley5413]

seen this comment about 50 times come up with something new

[@dioghaltasfoirneartach7258]

@@jacobbrockley5413 Lead the way...

[@Kauppi2]

They seem to like him Unlike Ukrops who are used as cannonfodder by Begensky

[@raulcanela5669]

Do not be so sure

[@user-yj5jg8xs2p]

Просто представь что америкашка думает что знает больше нас

[@agripin7380]

No matter how the Western and European media denigrated PMC Wagner. this is the only army that has not retreated, but rather is constantly advancing.

[@sababugs1125]

At a grand pace of 3km per week

[@cann0708]

@Kauppi1 don't be praising Russia, their military isn't doing anything, Wagner is doing all the important work

[@tankourito5419]

You forgot the 'advancing and losing tens of thousands of soliders per village'

[@kapralo3285]

@@cann0708 And 76"th VDV. Aiborne help Wagner a lot.

[@rogggggerful]

Phyrric victory.. they destroy everything and lose men x10 of the ukrainians.. in the long run russia loses

[@kietv.7189]

Thats much coming back,poor for these younge man

[@mauricetucker8754]

Is this paper the Moscow times

[@robertmendez4990]

He started with 40,000 convicts there’s like 40 there

[@jpa3930]

And they thought they were going to freedom, but Vladolphe does not trust them and is waiting for them ...

[@MaciusSzwed]

Prigozhin is turning up to be a decent and stand up guy! Not like the traitors in the West which call themselves politicians et consortes.

[@rogercude1459]

Go join up then 🤣🤣🤣

[@MaciusSzwed]

@@rogercude1459 I think I will since they are on the RIGHT side, meaning GOOD guys as the USA and West are on the losing side aka BAD ONES, full with lies and propaganda

[@rogercude1459]

@@MaciusSzwed go die for your little sad old man in his bunker he will light a candle for you 🤣

[@MuskokaMudFish]

@@rogercude1459 Triggered ^

[@tortoiseloverboy]

@@MaciusSzwed lol the west is the losing side? Your boys here are freeing murderers from prison to get bodies and can barely hang against 4% of our defense budget. You aren't going anywhere.

[@johnq5284]

I wonder how many will jump back into battle ?

[@deamo1119]

0

[@frankb5953]

Plenty. As an ex-convict it's hard to get a job and adjust to society. I imagine if they return they will get a good pay and most likely better and safer positions as they are experienced soldiers now.

[@dandanfree2925]

they went in in 15.000 and 85 left.

[@muzwot9603]

Nobody ever mentions the small number of American mercenaries fighting for Russia.

[@brambob9510]

If this is true. I hope they unalive in the worst of ways.

[@rambojp73]

There are people from many countries fighting in Ukraine, not just little usa! 🍀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sigmamale6154]

@@brambob9510 okay mr redditor

[@toddlucas6073]

@@sigmamale6154 Right what a beta

[@dootpooter4740]

@@brambob9510 It's KIEV

[@emiliasegador9772]

Promises promises 😂

[@user-cm1mu6ce9y]

they are war criminals (rape, killing of civilians) and needs to get an punishement

[@agripin7380]

Wagner has a very strict discipline there. for such violations they are shot. You can't even drink alcohol there.

[@ferrinter7956]

@@agripin7380 yes and i even heard that they put them in a corner, face to the wall for 15 minutes, if they make such atrocities

[@victorzvyagintsev1325]

@@ferrinter7956 No, they get a sledge hammer treatment....as in actual sledge hammer punishment. Not pretty, but keeps everyone in line.

[@frankb5953]

Ukrainian soldiers have committed all that you mentioned. Don't worry their punishment is coming.

[@vhappyeznhappy5572]

The best idea to reduce prisoners population and cut expenses responsibility

[@nikivanovich399]

Міндобриво завезли.

[@user-fl8qk3xs7p]

Good ..

[@5.45x39_]

And the best thing is - if these felons blow up on a land mine - who cares? Good riddance. If they succeed reaching interests of their country - also good. win-win situation

[@banalpedant41]

Ah yes, thee ole classic...... look guys, I saw on TV they treat convicts fair and did as they promised so why don't we join? we are not convicts so we would be treated much better.

[@doksonokso]

This devil is so brave guy that he will not be in frontline

[@erickagwe8841]

That's good 👍 for them

[@oldbloke135]

Not so good for the inhabitants of Karelia and the Finns next door. It's just what you need, one police officer every hundred square miles and a coach party of murderers, rapists and thieves dumped on your doorstep. I wonder why they didn't take them to Moscow or St Petersburg?

[@riderofthewhitehorse8879]

So the Russians kept their promise? Based.

[@rsun2226]

Coooool. Enjoy NEW life! 🥳

[@gmane1989]

Probably short lived...🤷🤦

[@philbo2152]

Plenty of jobs for them back in Russia in cruise missile or tank factories. Or perhaps a holiday rep on the Crimean peninsula. Can’t see any of those having much longevity

[@eequalsmc217]

Did he give them the stern "don't rape our women" talking to.

[@RynaxAlien]

Back to criminal acts. Some people such as drug users are innoscent but what about murderous psychopaths?

[@sonnyyale5951]

Russian won't be able to use yt very soon

[@gherciustar8962]

The rooster !!!!

[@Putinhuylo3]

Heartbreaking: So many healthy orcs that return home, safely, but without a washing machine.

[@passenger3]

Haga

[@djamelreilly5433]

I wouldn’t dehumanise these troops just to emphasise which side is right. Obvs Putin is a madman but these men have paid a price for their freedom, and most of them would never get another chance. I hope that all they someday find redemption.

[@Vatu.]

Don’t worry plenty of dead Ukrainians are helping the soil

[@JQ-999]

@@djamelreilly5433 how do you know that these were prisoners enlisted by Wagner and fought in UA? All I see are actors pushing pro-rushit propaganda.

[@drakevevo3710]

@ADTattoo its quite shocking how so many people dehumanise the russians, sure they're not in the right but its disgusting some of the comments on these videos.

[@tm-ln4hj]

I call bs

[@papapsych2746]

A heartwarming tale, they can go home to their families instead getting out of prison when they have none left to visit.

[@gresssua]

"Paragraph 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Mercenary”: Participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict or hostilities, is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to seven years, with or without restraint of liberty for a term of up to one year". What can you expect from a hybrid tribe?

[@user-yj5jg8xs2p]

Note to article 359." A mercenary is a person who acts for the purpose of receiving material remuneration and is not a citizen of a State participating in an armed conflict or military operations, does not permanently reside on its territory, and is also not a person sent to perform official duties." What else can you expect from a Westerner who pulls out half of the law, and considers himself the smartest

[@gresssua]

@@cyber-7777 Американцам можно, а нам, белым и пушистым нельзя? The occupier will be destroyed.

[@gresssua]

@@user-yj5jg8xs2p Outlaws of the law of your country, isolated from society, already rule over you. Просто, получили деньги и амнистию за убийство граждан Украины на территории Украины.

[@gresssua]

@@user-yj5jg8xs2p In the notes to the laws, one can also add that not only Vova is inadequate, but also his entire flock of sheep.

[@user-yj5jg8xs2p]

@@gresssua гений рандомных текстов

[@rogergagnon5584]

Just like I told you. 😂

[@gucioo11]

Jeszcze nie wiedzą że już nie żyją.

[@Adherenciado]

Ave César, los que van a morir te saludan.

[@mr.millennium]

So the crimimals are back to bussineses . That’s insane

[@violakrone8429]

A great day for Russia ? 🤨

[@Dolce8lack]

Why they had obeyed the war??

[@deoc_1263]

The US did the same in the WW2 and in Vietnam I belief and I don't see any repercussions y in the real world

[@onuorahisraelchukwunonso1228]

That's to show Russian that Ukrainian didn't have anything to do with there prisoners and also there waiting of Warcraft, bullet, aircraft and all other fighting materials which the uses fighting against Ukrainian.

[@samuelsamuel7843]

Already Wagnar group soldiers allies afraid to fear to Tear's of Ukrinean war

[@jerzeedivr]

I thought they were Killing them so they would Not have to Pay them!

[@lookandlisten5740]

Do you think they're actually gonna get paid ?... That bus will probably have a terrible accident on the way back.

[@lambertlum1087]

Out of hundreds of men, a single bus load survived and went home.

[@rustyshackleford8333]

soon there is no more youtube in russia...but gladly we will still have the same trolls here...

[@topgear3487]

Fascinating Russia :D Abysmal Ukraine >:(

[@tonimanuel2416]

Wonderful! They were no good people but after war trauma are psicópats hat Will enjoy its freedom no limits!!

[@paulyoung4422]

Home in time, for their conscription.

[@The_Invisible_Man]

20 blokes made it back alive.

[@Gobbluth666]

More propaganda

[@smokeskull]

Let's go get drunk

[@pastelitopete5968]

He released 50 of 50,000

[@russellr6089]

Staged

[@patio87]

A Russian always pays his debts.

[@beslanshadyzhev5665]

👏👌

[@princegroove]

More cannon fodder, evidently. 😂 🇺🇸👊🏻💪🏻

[@Kauppi2]

Like the Suckrainians who are on 7th wave of mobilization

[@user-mt8vp7pi5u]

LOL… Ukrain is at their 8th mobilization desperate picking people up from the streets while Russia only moblized one time, demilitrization ;) You Western weak confused American rainbow transgender there, imagine proud to be a American with a government that toxic their own with communist leftists ideology’s and making them believe with a fantasy that there are more then 20 genders, even US parents take their kids to dragqueen shows, 🤣🤣🤡🤣🤣🤣

[@user-mt8vp7pi5u]

Weirdo’s

[@princegroove]

@@Kauppi2 Only ones sucking are the lame Ruskis who are being conscripted just to be massacred by superior American weapons. Fool! 😂 Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦🇺🇸💪🏻

[@jackjones9460]

How long did they have to serve to get a release? What “criminal expertise” made them good soldiers? Are they really free to go with the war still on or will be immediately scooped back up into a less well paid service?

[@ThirstysURL]

The armies are dying while if the men meet it'll be all handshake and drinks Global warming

[@dharmaboy34]

The world has gone mad and the lunatics are running the asylum.

[@Omni-Man]

How many of them are actors?

[@user-mt8vp7pi5u]

Hollywood is on your side Western feminist clown🤣

[@paula2969]

-yes

[@urbanimmortalculitvator6652]

right after the video the bus turned around and drove them to the front lines to die

[@LORRAINE54500]

International Law : Crimea is Ukraine

[@AL_DA]

kinda based

[@DardaniaLion]

Using criminals to commit crimes. God, what has Russia become.

[@jamiehodge7176]

it makes sense they have an incentive to fight even if it is only a small chance of survival Russian civilians don't

[@DardaniaLion]

@@jamiehodge7176 But what does it mean for people like you and me who happen to be Ukrainians and then wagner criminals come to you. The human mind is a beast if it is allowed to do what it can think of. Moral, human dignity, respect and family education make us better. These Russian criminals most likely are those who maybe killed other Russians and imagine you or me being there when one of them comes to your house and does many evil things to you or any of your family member. I am really shocked and feel so sad for Ukrainians.

[@reaperdean4991]

Ridiculous!

[@jetsetgojetsetgo-ft5lb]

Wagner and russian troops, withdraw from Ukraine.

[@gmane1989]

There running out of money and resources

[@frankb5953]

Very true that's why the west needs to announce more aid every day because Ukraine is losing big time.

[@TheLucidscreamz]

the bit they dont show you is them being gunned down

[@0x777]

Be gone for a day and miss Putin being ousted. He's been ousted, right? Last I checked, only the Russian President can grand amnesty, so that goofball there is now the prez?

[@aliular009]

Мясо едит

[@pizdafsem777]

Pethu pizdabolit....

[@piggybaggy242]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 one way ticket