‘Only we will decide where you go’: Kadyrov to Prigozhin

The leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has ordered Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner private military company, not to leave positions in Bakhmut but to await the arrival of his fighters.

A video of Kadyrov's message, made today on May 7, 2023, was released by Russian journalist Ilya Shepelin.

Kadyrov specifically stated that Prigozhin must remain in defense until all positions are assigned and his fighters arrive. Only when they begin their operations will they decide where Prigozhin should go. Kadyrov also mentioned that he would instruct Prigozhin on what to do, and that people would contact him to explain.

He complained that Prigozhin had left the heaviest parts of the frontline for the “Kadyrovtsy” fighters.

“He took the good spots that were convenient for him. The other… difficult spots must be approached. This is the last battle,” Kadyrov said.

Kadyrov also expressed outrage over Prigozhin's claim that Wagner fighters had captured the city of Popasnaya in the Luhansk region.

“You said you took Popasnaya. I officially declare that we were all there, and our units took Popasnaya. And in other areas, where it was bad for you... a brotherly shoulder was needed; you turned to Chechen brothers,” he announced, adding that he was hurt by his “brother’s” behavior.

At the end of the video, the Chechen leader once again urged Prigozhin not to flee from positions in Bakhmut, as Wagner fighters are “very needed, necessary people” and “know the terrain.”

“If you stay with us, I promise that we will give more, create better conditions than what you have today, and we will try to put everything at a high level for you,” Kadyrov promised.