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Commenting on the scandalous situation on detaining in Belarus 33 people, who were mercenaries of the Russian private military company, and subsequent extradition them to Russia the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine noted that sufficient number of facts are evidenced this was a special operation conducted by Russian special services. Firstly, dozens of people, hardened in military operations within the hybrid conflicts in various countries, including in Donbas, emerged in the capital of Belarus right on the eve of the fateful presidential election.

Also, according to the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, only the ignorant would believe a fairy tale about these ‘naïve’ militants being lured into Minsk. All so-called “private military companies” operate directly under the supervision of Russian special services and never act without their permission or coordination, “even if they carry out private orders.”

Thirdly, the head of military intelligence of Ukraine noted that a very detailed fake version about the allegedly involvement of the Security Service of Ukraine in Wagner troops’ emergence in Minsk was spun by Russian special services through the Russian newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda” as early as 6 August. That is, a week after the Belarusian security forces detained the militants and Belarus government publicly accused Russia of attempts to influence the election outcome.

“Fourthly, in parallel lines this version saw support in the Ukrainian public space on the part of certain political experts and (people) on social networks, who can be confidently branded pro-Russian,” Kyrylo Budanov stressed.