"The entire Wagner group was funded by the state – from the Ministry of Defense, from the state budget; we fully financed this group," Putin said while meeting with military personnel in the Kremlin.
"Despite the fact that the very maintenance of Wagner was on the state, the owner of the Concord company received and earned from the state through the military trade, he earned 80 billion rubles in a year supplying food and providing catering services to the military," Putin stated.
"As for this Wagner group, you know, we have always treated the fighters and commanders of this group with great respect, because, indeed, they showed courage and heroism," the Russian leader said.
"Unfortunately, you had to work in very difficult conditions in order to avoid civilian casualties, because you had to work on busy highways. And even more regrettable is the fact that we have losses. These are, of course, combat losses, it is impossible to say otherwise. Our comrades died defending the Fatherland. I say this without any pathos and without any exaggeration," Putin said, addressing security forces.
"Without any doubt – I already told the minister – everything will be done to support the families of our fallen comrades," Putin said.
"In the near future [...], the backbone of the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces, including in its aviation unit, should be formed by those who show themselves properly in combat work," the president stated.