Wagner Group Ceases Recruitment Following Mutiny Fallout

The Russian mercenary group Wagner has suspended recruitment of new fighters following a failed mutiny and as the deadline for volunteer units to sign contracts with the Russian military passed. Wagner cited its "temporary non-participation" in the war in Ukraine and its relocation to Belarus as reasons for the recruitment suspension. The group's exiled leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, had refused to comply with the Defense Ministry's order and launched a mutiny, resulting in his exile in Belarus. It remains unclear how this suspension will impact Wagner's operations in Africa and Syria, where they have been accused of committing abuses.