Media outlets in Russia say President Vladimir Putin's hinting at a probe into the finances of the Wagner mercenary group's leader is apparently aimed at diminishing his influence in the country.

Putin told members of his security team on Tuesday that Russia provided all the funding for the Wagner Group. He said that over the last year, its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin has earned about 1 billion dollars.

Major Russian newspaper Kommersant suggested that Putin is trying to spread negative views of Prigozhin, describing the current situation as "the people against the billionaire."

Another leading paper, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, said in an editorial that Putin shared with military personnel the suspicion that Prigozhin stole funds.

It suggested that Putin sent a warning to Prigozhin by showing a stance of pursuing allegations of financial irregularities.

Independent media said large amounts of funding were sent from state coffers to Wagner, despite the government's previous denials of any links to the group, which was not officially recognized.

Posts on social media say the funding exceeds the budgets of major regional cities.