It's him, Putin has appointed Wagner's successor with white hair | Russia | Qindian

According to CCTV News, the Russian newspaper Businessman published an interview with Putin on the 13th. Putin revealed in an interview the details of his meeting with Yevgeny Prigoren, founder of the Russian private military entity Wagner Organization, and other members of the organization.

▲ Putin and Prigo Ren

Putin stated that during his meeting with members of the Wagner organization, he proposed multiple options regarding their future, including continuing to be led by a person who has served as the actual commander for the past 16 months, codenamed "White Hair". It is reported that "White Hair" is the pseudonym of Andrei Trochev, the key commander of Wagner.

So, why was he able to be "ordered" by Putin to take over Wagner from Prigo?

Afghanistan and Chechnya War Veterans

Previously worked in the internal affairs department

According to a sanctions document released by the European Union and France in 2021, "White Hair" is the pseudonym of retired Russian Colonel Andrei Trochev. According to the sanctions, Trochev is one of Wagner's founding members and executive directors.

On December 13, 2021, Troshev was included in the sanctions list of all EU countries. On June 29, 2022, he was included in the UK sanctions list as one of the leaders of the Wagner Group. On February 26, 2023, he was added to the Ukrainian sanctions list.

Andrei Troshev

According to reports, Troshev was born on April 5, 1962 in Leningrad, Soviet Union, and graduated from the Leningrad Advanced Artillery Command School. Afterwards, he held command and officer positions in multiple artillery units.

In the mid-1980s, Troshev participated in combat operations in Afghanistan as a member of the Soviet army, responsible for commanding a self-propelled artillery company. Due to his outstanding performance in Afghanistan, Troshev was awarded two Red Star medals.

Subsequently, he went to the Kalinin Military Artillery Academy for further studies, and after graduation, he followed the Russian Federation Armed Forces to serve in the North Caucasus region. For his performance in the Chechen anti-terrorism operation, he was awarded two Courage Medals and one Second Class National Merit Medal.

After leaving the Russian armed forces, Troshev joined the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and successively served in the Special Mobile Force and Special Rapid Response Force of the Northwest Federal District of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He was responsible for commanding the St. Petersburg Rapid Response Special Force of the Northwest Federal District. In 2014, Trochev and above retired from military ranks. Shortly thereafter, Russia announced the "liquidation" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs's internal security forces, and in April 2016 announced the establishment of the National Guard on the basis of the Ministry of Internal Affairs's internal security forces to address domestic security threats.

One of Wagner's highest ranking commanders

Responsible for personnel, finance, and information security

According to reports, in 2015, Trochev became a member of Wagner. According to reports, Trochev is one of Wagner's highest ranking commanders and the true commander behind Wagner's mercenary corps.

The EU's sanctions on the situation in Syria provide a detailed explanation of Troshev's important contribution as the Chief of Staff of the Wagner Group in his actions in Syria. The sanctions document reads: "Andrei Troshev was directly involved in the Wagner Group's military operations in Syria, especially in the Deir Zor region."

According to reports, on March 17, 2016, the Russian President issued an "undisclosed" decree granting Troshev the highest title of "Russian Hero" in recognition of his "courage and heroism demonstrated in special missions.". It is reported that Troshev was awarded this honor in 2016 for his "capture of Palmyra".

▲ Troshev and Utkin wearing medals and taking a photo with Russian President Putin

In December 2016, Troshev and Wagner founder Dmitry Utkin were jointly invited to attend a reception in the Kremlin. A photo released by Russian media in 2017 showed the two wearing medals and taking a photo with Russian President Putin. The Russian Hero Medal appeared on Troshev's jacket.

According to reports, Trochev is a member of the "special department" of Wagner Group's security department, responsible for "confidentiality, personnel, finance, and information security". His signature appeared on numerous documents previously released by Prigo's news agency. Since April 2023, recruitment advertisements calling on Russians to join the Wagner Mercenary Corps under the name of Troshev have been seen everywhere in Russia.

At the same time, Trochev is also the chairman of the St. Petersburg Regional Public Organization's Alliance for the Protection of the Interests of Veterans in Local Wars and Military Conflicts, and has publicly attended many events.

At least hundreds of Wagner soldiers have arrived in Belarus

Russia may consider granting Wagner legal status

However, there is currently no specific conclusion regarding Wagner's future. Putin stated in an interview on the 13th that Wagner founder Prigoren rejected the proposal of "white haired" to take over Wagner.

"They could have gathered in one place and continued their service," Putin said. "For them, nothing will change. They will be led by the same person who has always been their true commander." Putin also said in an interview, "When I said that, many people nodded in agreement. But Prigoren refused."

When asked whether "Wagner" will continue to exist as a military force, Putin said that "Wagner" exists formally, "but from a legal perspective, it does not exist.". "This is an issue related to true legalization, and the State Duma and the government should discuss this issue."

On July 14th, Russian presidential spokesperson Peskov stated that Russia may grant legal status to the private military group Wagner. He said that the situation of Wagner and other groups is "quite complex" and requires further research. When asked if it is possible to enact new legislation on the status of private military companies, Peskov stated that this issue "will at least be under consideration.".

According to some media, this will be a major shift in Russia's attitude since the Wagner incident at the end of June. On the 14th, the US War Research Institute analyzed in a report that Putin's move means he plans to maintain the unity of the Wagner Group and not allow it to split. But he attempted to remove Prigo from the leadership and troops of the organization.

▲ Wagner Racing Team

According to the latest news on the 15th, Polish security spokesperson Zarin said that the first batch of Wagner soldiers has arrived on Belarusian territory, and "there may be several hundred people now.". According to him, the arriving Wagner soldiers settled in the field camp and began training Belarusian soldiers. The Ukrainian border forces have also confirmed that Wagner mercenaries have arrived in Belarus from Russia and are currently evaluating their exact number and location.

It is reported that on Saturday, a convoy of approximately 60 Wagner cars crossed the border and entered Belarus. A Belarusian "Telegram" channel reported that these vehicles - including pickup trucks, trucks, and buses - were accompanied by Belarusian traffic police to the town of Osipovich, about 85 kilometers southeast of the capital Minsk.

Wagner soldiers train the Belarusian army near Osipovich

On the 14th local time, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that Wagner's troops are currently serving as military instructors for the country's national defense forces, training Belarusian troops near Osipovich. A few days ago, the Russian side reported that 45 Wagner vehicles had arrived in Belarus from Rostov.