Putin tried to replace Prigozhin as head of Wagner after the mutiny, but failed outside

In a meeting with Prigozhin and 35 of Wagner’s top fighters, Putin suggested that the mercenaries could continue to fight as a single group in Ukraine, but under the command of their field commander Andrei Troshev. “Nothing will change for them. They will be led by the same person who has been their de facto leader all along,” Putin explained in the newspaper.

He says his offer received some support from the Wagner fighters in attendance. Many of them nodded their heads when I said this. However, Prigozhin, who sat across from the mercenaries and could not see their reaction, was less enthusiastic, according to the president. “No, the guys will not agree to this decision,” said the head of the Wagner company, according to Putin.

Andrei Troshev (70), also known as “Gray Hair”, is a retired Russian colonel and founding member of Wagner’s mercenary army. According to sanctions documents released by the European Union, he also served as the group’s chief of staff for previous operations in Syria. Troshev also fought in the wars in Chechnya and Afghanistan. According to Russian media, he was awarded several medals for this.

Andrei Troshev in 2016. © via Reuters

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