LIVE UPDATES: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Dmitry Utkin, founder of the Wagner private military company was present at a Kremlin military awards ceremony December 13, 2016.
The previous issue is here.
Recent Analysis and Translations:
State TV Video Shows Russian Special Forces Fighting on the Ground in Syria, Supposedly Killing ISIS
An In-Depth Examination Of Donald Trump’s Ties To Russia And Vladimir Putin
Anna Politkovskaya’s Last Interview to the Regional Russian Press On Day of Her Murder
‘The Dirty Deeds of the Pentagon in Syria’: An Example of Russian Propaganda
UPDATES BELOW
On December 13, journalists had asked if Peskov could confirm a sighting of Wagner on state TV channel Rossiya-1’s news broadcast of the event reported by Fontanka. A man seated at a table appeared to be Utkin, based on other available photographs. He said he didn’t know, but would get back to them.
“I don’t know how he is known, Dmitry really was there. He is a cavalier of the Order of Courage, he was there from Novgorod Region.”
Earlier this week, the Russian State Duma or lower house of parliament passed a law enabling draftees to sign contracts to serve in combat abroad; previously they were not allowed. The law has now been sent to the Federation Council or upper house of parliament. This new measure does not address the question of mercenaries, still illegal under Russian law, as these are soldiers who are recruited through official draft boards. But it recognizes that both recruits and reservists can be hired on short-term contracts to fight abroad, which means ultimately the effort of some legislators to legalize private military contractors may be achieved.
— Catherine A. Fitzpatrick