Lavrov-Russia Always Emerges Stronger, More Resilient From Difficulties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaking in a presser, when asked about the country's political stability in the aftermath of the Wagner mutiny states that Russia "has always emerged stronger and more resilient from any difficulties" and that if Western observers have doubts about stability that it is "their problem". The rouble currency hascontinued its weakening trendagainst the dollar since the mutiny amid speculation about President Vladimir Putin's position.

• On the future of the Wagner PMC in Africa: "Several hundred Russian military advisers from the Defence Ministry have long been in the Central African Republic...Wagner worked in CAR and other countries - these contracts were done directly between gov't and Wagner...The future of these contracts with Wagner depnds on the gov'ts in Africa themselves.' There remains focus on the next steps for Wagner following Yevgeny Prigozhin's exile to Belarus, whether they build up their fighting force there or focus on activities in Africa.
• Lavrov on the situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant: "We are very concerned about 'provocations' from Ukraine...all of what Ukraine is saying about Russia blowing up a NPP which Russia controls is just 'pure lies'...Ukraine is playing a dangerous game....We know Ukraine has staged various 'tragedies'." Ukrainian intel suggests Russia is drawing down its personnel at the NPP.