Prigozhin says "children of Russian elite" should go to fight and accuses oligarchs of preventing full mobilization - ISW

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

Analysts note that Prigozhin openly stated on October 31: "Until children (of Russian elite, - ed.) go to fight, there will be no full mobilization in the country."

ISW points out that Prigozhin is very popular in Russia and is establishing himself as a political force. He has already started using it to criticize his political opponents in the circles of Russian elite.

Experts do not rule out that due to its high rating, Prigozhin who is also known as "Putin's Chef" may sooner or later create its own party. And now he began to attack local officials.

In particular, he appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation with a request to initiate a criminal case based on the fact that St. Petersburg Governor Oleksandr Beglov "organized" a "criminal group" in the city.

"Prigozhin alleged that Beglov’s criminal network intends to plunder the state budget and enrich corrupt officials. Prigozhin is likely using his criticism of Beglov and other St. Petersburg politicians to enhance his own reputation—and his campaign may be working," the report says.

The Institute for the Study of War also informs that at the same time as attacks on politicians, Prigozhin announced creation of the "Wagner PMC Center" in St. Petersburg, which will be opened on November 4.

“Prigozhin noted that he did not inform the local St. Petersburg administration of the center’s creation because the local government is not a “sufficiently representative structure to interfere with the work of the PMC Wagner Center," ISW said.

"Putin's Cook" has called on local government officials who have problems with his center to sue him and has suggested he will open new branches if the St. Petersburg branch is successful.

By the way, Prigozhin launched all this activity despite the fact that PMCs are prohibited by Russian legislation.