Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is in Russia, according to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, raising questions about the deal to end the mercenary chief's mutiny last month.
Mr Lukashenko mediated a deal to end the revolt - the most serious challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin's rule - that was to see Mr Prigozhin into Belarusian exile.
"As far as Prigozhin is concerned, he is in Saint Petersburg ... He is not in Belarus," President Lukashenko, who has ruled isolated Belarus for nearly three decades, told reporters from foreign media outlets in Minsk.
Speaking in the presidential palace, Mr Lukashenko said he knew "for sure" that Mr Prigozhin was a free man, adding: "I spoke to him on the phone yesterday."
Russia responded by saying it was "not following" his movements, nearly two weeks after the 23 June mutiny that saw armed fighters on the march towards Moscow.
President Lukashenko said that members of the Wagner group have not established a base in Belarus yet, despite an offer from Russia for those who took part in the failed mutiny to do so.
This prospect has alarmed neighbouring NATO countries.
"At the moment the question of their transfer and set-up has not been decided," he said.
"I am absolutely not worried or concerned that we will host a certain number of these fighters here.
"If we need to activate these units, we will activate them immediately and their experience will be very much appreciated."
"We are not building camps. We offered them several former military camps that were used in Soviet times, including near Osipovichi. If they agree.
"But Wagner has a different vision for deployment, of course, I won't tell you about this vision," Mr Lukashenko added.
Russian state TV launched a fierce attack on Mr Prigozhin yesterday and said an investigation into what had happened was still being vigorously pursued.
Images broadcast showed police entering Mr Prigozhin's residence, a vast and luxurious mansion with a helicopter parked in the grounds, reportedly on 25 June.
Mr Lukashenko said he had agreed to meet President Putin in the near future and would discuss the Wagner situation with him.
The mercenary leader was "absolutely free" and Mr Putin will not "wipe him out", President Lukashenko added.
