Prigozhin claims Russian defense ministry wanted Wagner to "cease to exist": The Russian Defense Ministry had planned for the Wagner private military group to "cease to exist" starting on July 1, Prigozhin also claimed Monday in the audio message. “The purpose of the march was to prevent the destruction of PMC Wagner and to bring to justice those who, through their unprofessional actions, made a huge number of mistakes during the special military operation,” Prigozhin said the audio message, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Wagner chief explains his reasoning: Prigozhin said in the audio Monday that he called off the demonstration to prevent Russian bloodshed and that the rising was a protest rather than attempt to topple the government.The US has provided more than $39 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022, including $22 billion in presidential drawdowns. The last package, announced earlier this month, was valued at about $325 million and included new air defense and rocket systems for Ukraine. Russian forces have also had success bogging down Ukrainian armor with missile attacks and mines and have been deploying air power more effectively. US and western officials told CNN last week that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has not been meeting expectations, with Russian lines of defense proving well-fortified. The package comes as US officials continue to assess what impact the Wagner rebellion inside Russia will have on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ukraine lost several armored vehicles in the early days of its counteroffensive, which US officials believe Ukrainian forces launched earlier this month. The aid, which is expected to be announced on Tuesday, will include additional Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles, the official said, and will be provided to Ukraine via Presidential Drawdown Authority. The US is expected to announce another military aid package to Ukraine totaling approximately $500 million, a US official told CNN.
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