Wagner: Satellite images show activity at military base in Belarus

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Satellite images appear to show activity at a disused military base in Belarus, amid speculation about Wagner forces relocating to the country.

An image from 27 June obtained by BBC Verify, and first reported by Radio Free Europe, shows what could be tents or similar structures appearing at the base.

An earlier image taken on 19 June shows the fields within the military compound largely empty.

 

The Wagner group, which is made up of mercenaries, had been fighting for Russia in Ukraine until last weekend, when it staged a rebellion.

Its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, later called off an advance to Moscow after a deal was struck with the help of the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

After the failed mutiny, the Russian authorities said Wagner would be disarmed but its members would escape prosecution. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the military could either join the Russian army, go home or go to Belarus.

 

• What next for the Wagner group of mercenaries?
• Wagner's network in Africa faces uncertain future

 

The base seen in the satellite images is about 13 miles (21km) from the town of Asipovichy - around 64 miles from the capital Minsk. The area has been reported in Russian media as a place which could house Wagner fighters.

 

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[ballpoint]

I think it's time that NATO makes it clear that, while they have no direct military involvement so far, any entry into Ukraine by another country will be perceived as that country declaring war on Ukraine, and result in NATO directly aiding Ukraine to repulse that attack, allowing Ukraine to continue concentrating on the Russians while NATO uses its air power, and long range missiles, to halt the other country's invasion, and attack any bases it was launched from in that country.  Formally declare it now before it kicks off.