Putin's Offer to Wagner Mercenaries: Unity or Disbandment?

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered the Wagner mercenaries the option to continue serving as a single unit under the same commander, known as Gray Hair, following their abortive revolt last month. Putin discussed their actions in Ukraine and offered various alternatives for future service during a meeting attended by 35 Wagner commanders, including the group's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. However, Prigozhin quickly rejected the proposal. Putin also mentioned that Wagner has operated without a legal basis, as there is no law on private military organizations in Russia. The disarming of Wagner reflects Russian authorities' efforts to defuse the threat they posed and may signal an end to the group's operations in Ukraine.