Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko asserts that he persuaded Russian President Vladimir Putin against taking drastic measures against Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin during the brief but impactful rebellion last weekend. Putin had labeled the incident as "treason."

Prigozhin's mercenary force, estimated at 25,000, advanced significantly towards Moscow over the weekend. Their objective was the removal of Russia's military leadership. However, the advance ended abruptly. Putin had initially threatened severe consequences for the rebels, drawing parallels to the 1917 Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war. Lukashenko claims to have negotiated an agreement allowing Prigozhin to relocate to Belarus without facing prosecution, along with his fighters.

According to the Associated Press, Lukashenko stated on Tuesday that Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus, and his troops would be permitted to remain in the country "for some time" at their own expense.

Lukashenko recounted his Saturday conversation with Putin, using a Russian idiom implying the intent to eliminate someone.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin departing the Southern Military District headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Saturday. He is now reportedly in Belarus. (Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Reuters, citing Belarusian state media, reported Lukashenko as saying, "I understood a harsh decision had been made (implied in Putin's address) to eliminate" the mutineers. Lukashenko claims he advised Putin against hasty action, suggesting dialogue with Prigozhin and his commanders. Putin allegedly responded that it was futile as Prigozhin was refusing communication.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Supreme Economic Eurasian Council in Moscow on May 25, 2023. (Contributor/Getty Images)

Putin had used similar language in 1999 regarding Chechen militants, a statement that became synonymous with his tough image. The Kremlin hasn't responded to Lukashenko's claims, which offer insight into the discussions within Putin's inner circle as Prigozhin's troops marched towards Moscow. Before Prigozhin ended the rebellion, it was considered the most significant threat to Putin's authority in over two decades.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Sochi, Russia, on June 9, 2023. (GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

Lukashenko says he cautioned Putin to consider the broader implications, arguing that eliminating Prigozhin could provoke a larger uprising among Wagner troops. He also highlighted the potential benefits of having Wagner fighters in Belarus, describing them as a valuable addition to his military due to their extensive experience and combat knowledge.

Lukashenko, according to the BelTA state agency, stated, "This is the most highly trained unit in the army. Who can dispute that? My military understands this, and we don't have such personnel in Belarus." He emphasized his pragmatic approach, suggesting that the mercenaries' combat experience and knowledge of weaponry will be highly beneficial.

Prigozhin has remained silent since Monday, when he mentioned that Belarusian authorities would allow the Wagner Group to operate within a "legal jurisdiction."