Legacy of Prigozhin and Wagner Cemetery
- The Wagner cemetery in Krasnodar holds 1,000 soldiers from the mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin.
- Prigozhin, known as 'Putin's chef,' died in a plane crash after leading a mutiny against Vladimir Putin.
- The absence of young people who have gone to the front is felt in the villages of the Krasnodar province.
The Wagner Group, a notorious mercenary organization, has been burying its casualties in designated cemeteries, where symbols of the group have been notably removed. Recent reports indicate a shift in the group's public narrative, with members previously acknowledging the rebellion against the Russian government as a mistake. The British Ministry of Defense estimates that Russian casualties in Ukraine have reached 450,000, while other sources suggest over 120,000 fatalities among Russian forces. Despite the staggering loss of life, the bloodshed continues into 2024. Local authorities, such as the mayor of Goriachi Kliuch, have faced threats for suggesting that fallen soldiers should be buried elsewhere, indicating a climate of fear surrounding the discussion of military losses. A local mortician believes that burials will persist at the cemetery, despite claims of its closure, reflecting the ongoing recruitment and funeral processes tied to the conflict. Krasnodar has emerged as a recruitment hub for the Russian military, with enticing enlistment offers promising substantial salaries. Posters in the region depict soldiers in combat gear, appealing to potential recruits with the prospect of earning over 200,000 roubles monthly, alongside a significant enlistment bonus. The emotional toll of the conflict is palpable, as families bid farewell to loved ones heading off to war, underscoring the personal sacrifices made amid the ongoing violence.