Satellite images give the impression that construction is underway in Belarus for Wagnerian militias

For the first time, there are indications that preparations are underway in Belarus to house soldiers from the Wagnerian army. Satellite images of a military base near Osipovichi in Belarus show construction has been underway since the start of this week. Local officials in the area confirm in dispatches that preparations are underway to house Wagner’s troops.

Dozens of small structures appeared on empty fields around military camp buildings from Monday to Tuesday, similar in shape and layout to tents for soldiers. The most recent satellite images from Planet Labs are from last Tuesday and are not of high quality, making details difficult to see. Higher resolution images were taken Wednesday and Thursday, but nothing is visible due to clouds in the area.

abandoned military camps

Wagner’s army mutiny ended unexpectedly on Saturday with an agreement that Russia’s private army would not be prosecuted legally. This agreement was reached with the help of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who served as a mediator between the leader of Wagner Prigozhin and the Russian government. As part of the deal, Wagner’s army is to leave Russia and move to Belarus. Lukashenko reported last Tuesday that Wagner chief Prigozhin had already done so.

It remains unclear if and how many of Wagner’s soldiers left for Belarus. As far as we know, there are no available images of soldiers in Belarus yet. Satellite images are a first indication that preparations are underway for accommodation.

‘According to plan’

The military base near Osipovichi is expected to house 8,000 Wagnerian troops, Russian independent media Verstka reported. The camp is located 200 kilometers from the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. It would be one of several camps in Belarus, where Prigozhin soldiers are supposed to end up. An official of the district in which the military base is located confirms to a Belarusian Telegram channel that the work is proceeding “according to plan” for the arrival of the Wagnerian militias.

Lukashenko said in his speech last Tuesday that he offered Wagner abandoned military camps. “There is a fence, everything is there, go ahead and put tents there,” the Belarusian president said.