In a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dimitry Peskov provided details about what he described as an agreement stuck with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the boss of the Wagner private military company, to halt a march of his forces toward Moscow.
"An agreement was reached on the return of PMC Wagner to their locations. Part of those who will wish to do so, will sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense - this concerns those who did not take part in the march, indeed, there were such formations which, from the very beginning, changed their minds and returned. They even requested to be escorted by the traffic police and other assistance in order to return to their permanent locations", he said.
Wagner fighters will not face legal action for taking part in the march, Peskov added, saying that the Kremlin has "always respected their heroic deeds" on the front lines in Ukraine.
Prigozhin has provided scant details about his agreement to about-face. Peskov said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was able to draw on a personal relationship with Prigozhin to broker the deal.
"The fact is that Alexander Grigoryvich (Lukashenko) has known Prigozhin personally for a long time, for about 20 years", Peskov said. "And it was his personal proposal, which was agreed with Putin. We are grateful to the President of Belarus for these efforts".
Earlier this month, Prigozhin had refused to sign contracts with Russia's Defense Ministry, rejecting an attempt to bring his force in line. The defense ministry said that 'volunteer units' and private military groups would be required to sign a contract.
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