Local Media Report Criminal Case Against Prigozhin Remains Open

Several Russian media outlets (RIA Novosti, TASS, Interfax, Kommersant) are running source reports noting that a criminal case against Wagener Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has not been dropped and the investigation continues. This contrasts with an earlier statement from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said that the case would be terminated as part of a deal brokered by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, which halted the Wagner rebels' march on Moscow.

• According to Kommersant, Prigozhin is still facing charges of inciting an armed insurrection, which carries a sentence of 12-20 years imprisonment. The agreement with the Kremlin stipulated that he would be allowed to leave for Belarus.
• Independent news website Meduza cited sources close to the presidential administration, who said that Putin rejected Prigozhin's attempts to talk directly, which was why Belarus President was engaged as a mediator.
• Meduza sources suggested that whatever happens next, Prigozhin "will not have the same influence and resources," while Putin is unlikely to reshuffle the leadership of the Ministry of Defence in the near future as he tries to regain the initiative.