The Kremlin spokesman’s son, Dmitry Peskov, reportedly served in the Wagner group for almost six months. He himself admits that, according to the BBC.
– It was my duty. I couldn’t sit and watch when friends and others were leaving, says Nikolaj Peskov (33).
The paramilitary group is internationally known for its war crimes and other abuses during the war in Ukraine. The group also recruited thousands of convicted prisoners to help in the war.
– They freed a sick bastard
Dmitry Peskov confirms on Monday that his eldest son took part in what he himself calls a “special operation” in Ukraine. This was reported by the Russian news agency RIA.
Peskov did not comment further on the issue, as it is not relevant to his work, he believes.
Peskov previously worked as a correspondent for Russia’s state broadcaster RT. Like his father, he too is subject to Western sanctions.
It was during an interview with the pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda that Peskov admitted Wagner’s involvement. He says in it that it was his own decision to join, but that he didn’t know where to turn.
– I chose a quick death
– So I had to turn to my father… And he helped me, he said.
It is also said that he went under a secret false name.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, said Nikolay Peskov took a three-week course and then went to Luhansk in Ukraine.
“Hardcore coffee specialist. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Devoted internetaholic.”
