The son of President Vladimir Putin's longtime spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told Russian media he fought in Ukraine as a member of the mercenary Wagner group, in statements later echoed by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Thirty-three-year-old Nikolai Peskov also claimed to Komsomolskaya pravda that he earned a medal for bravery as part of a rocket-launch crew. The claim follows years of reports of the younger Peskov's luxurious lifestyle and amid pressure over public mobilization efforts as Russia's unprovoked invasion nears the 14-month mark. It could not immediately be verified. Prigozhin said Peskov enlisted "under forged documents" to conceal his identity. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Kremlin Spokesman's Son Claims To Have Fought As Wagner Mercenary In Ukraine
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (file photo)