Despite previous reports of his exile in Belarus, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is reportedly back in Russia. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who initially claimed Prigozhin's presence in Belarus, confirmed this development to reporters, adding that Prigozhin is currently in St. Petersburg. Lukashenko had previously stated he brokered a deal allowing Prigozhin and his soldiers safe passage to Belarus following the aborted mutiny on June 24th.

Adding to the intrigue, Russian media outlet Fontanka reported Prigozhin's return was to retrieve confiscated weapons seized during post-mutiny searches. Furthermore, reports indicate he was also given back a substantial sum of money, over $100 million USD, found by authorities in one of his vehicles. This money was allegedly returned by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the very target of Prigozhin’s attempted overthrow.

Meanwhile, Wagner troops remain stationed at their pre-mutiny camps. Prigozhin has also reportedly shut down his media operations, including the Patriot media group and its affiliated outlets. This follows an audio message released earlier in the week where Prigozhin promised future victories on the front lines, despite the Kremlin’s insistence on the group's exile to Belarus. The authenticity of the audio message remains unverified.

The attempted rebellion, which saw Prigozhin's 25,000 troops advance to within 125 miles of Moscow before abruptly turning back, is widely considered the greatest challenge to Putin's authority in his two decades of rule. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities within the Kremlin and sparked rumors of a subsequent military purge, though the Pentagon has reported no alarming developments.