Lukashenko Holds Urgent Security Council Meeting Regarding Arrest of 32 Russian Members of Wagner Group

The Belarusian Security Council has reported that a criminal case has been opened regarding the arrested Russian citizens on charges of organizing a terrorist act. It is noted that the arrested individuals number 32, some of whom hold Ukrainian passports. According to Belarusian security forces, the detainees are affiliated with the private military organization known as the Wagner Group.

As previously reported, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko convened an urgent meeting of the Security Council last night following the arrest of the 32 Russians on suspicion of destabilizing the situation in the country. Earlier, it was discovered that the detainees had checked into a hotel in Minsk on July 24 before being moved to a resort not far from the city.

The group attracted the attention of the resort's staff due to behaviors atypical for tourists and their uniform military-style clothing. The members of the group did not consume alcoholic beverages, did not frequent entertainment venues, and attempted to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Consequently, they were arrested by special forces.

The Wagner Group is a military private company reportedly active in Ukraine and later in Syria. Interfax has reported that no charges have been brought against any of the detainees, and they possessed no prohibited items or violated any laws. Following their interrogation, the nature of the alleged crime could not be established. It was noted that some of the detained Russians also possessed Ukrainian passports.