Yevgeny Prigozhin issues ultimatum over Russia's Belgorod region 

The statement was released by his press service on June 3, 2023. 

He emphasized that if the Ministry of Defense fails to address the ongoing “lawlessness” occurring within Russian territory, Wagner’s  mission would be to safeguard the Russian people, including Russians, Dagestanis, Chechens, and even ethnic Ukrainians residing in the region.

Furthermore, Prigozhin reiterated his previous demands to the office of Serhiy Shoigu, with whom he had been in constant quarrel regarding the situation in Bakhmut. He made it clear that they would not wait for an invitation but would require adequate ammunition before taking action.

What is happening in the Belgorod region? 

In the Belgorod region, significant developments have taken place. On May 22, the Freedom of Russia legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps announced the liberation of Kozinka and Gora-Podol settlements in the Belgorod region and the entry of their advanced units into the city of Graivoron.

 On June 2, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion initiated the second phase of their operation, focusing on the town of Shebekino. 

The "legionnaires" accused Putin's troops of indiscriminate shelling in the Belgorod region on June 3 and urged residents to evacuate further into Ukraine. 

They highlighted the transformation of the border zone in the Belgorod region into a gray zone, characterized by abandoned houses, residents, and the absence of local administration and police. The Russian Volunteer Corps aims to establish a foothold in this gray zone to restore order.

• According to Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Hanna Malyar, Wagner fighters have not completely withdrawn from Bakhmut. They are currently providing training to newly arrived Russian soldiers in the area.