Boat bearing Wagner Group flag spotted on Narva River, Estonian government responds
Photo: boat flying Wagner Group flag (Estonian Foreign Ministry)
On November 2, a Russian border service boat was seen sailing along the Narva River under the flag of the private military group Wagner, according to a statement by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said his ministry has received information, as well as photo and video evidence, confirming that on November 2, a Russian border service boat sailed along the Narva River with a Wagner Group flag attached to it.
"We can only speculate whether the spirit of chef Prigozhin is still alive in Russia, the Wagner crew are once again trying to take Moscow or have they set their sights on St Petersburg this time?" Tsahkna remarked wryly.
He added that everything happening on the Narva River remains under Estonia’s full control.
"However, this sight only confirms the fact that Russia's 'iron' system is fracturing as a result of the war of aggression they launched and the continued pressure from the West. We can also confirm that whatever the Russians attempt to do on the Narva River is taking place under our watchful eye," the minister said.
Wagner Group after Prigozhin's death
Following the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin in August 2023, part of the Wagner mercenaries was transferred to Belarus.
According to British intelligence, by October 2023, some Wagner units had been integrated into Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardiya).
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence representative Vadym Skibitskyi told RBC-Ukraine that Wagner fighters who signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense or Rosgvardiya have continued serving either in Russia’s armed forces or in other private military companies.
The Wagner Group has also been reorganized in countries where it was previously active, primarily in Africa, and in the Middle East, including Syria and Libya.
