President Putin said that the private military company Wagner 'does not exist' in Russia.

Kommersant (Russia) quoted President Vladimir Putin as saying that the issue of the legal status of private military companies is still difficult. According to Mr. Putin, Russia has no law on private military companies, so forces like Wagner do not exist legally.

“This is a matter of full legalization, which should be discussed in the State Duma and the government. This is not an easy issue to resolve, because it is very complicated,” the Russian leader said.

President Putin also expressed his opinion on the rebellion of the Wagner Private Military Group on June 24. According to him, everything was explained simply and clearly to Russian society.

“The Wagner soldiers fought with dignity and love for the Motherland. Their participation in such events is a pity…” – President Putin said.

Speaking further about his meeting with Wagner members on June 29, President Putin said he gave them an assessment of what they had done on the battlefield, and what they had done during the June 24 incident; and pointed out to them possible options on how they could continue to serve, including in combat.

A bill to legalize private military companies has been discussed in Russia for over a year. In March 2022, the draft was sent to the government, but since then it has not been adopted.