Wagner group chief declared an armed rebellion against Russian Military. Turbulence was seen in global politics due to this emergency situation in Russia, where Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner private military company announced that he had entered Russia with his troops to overthrow the country’s military command. Though things are looking to be cooling off now, the world is still keeping a close watch.
What was the original situation, that unfolded on Friday?
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of the Russian Wagner organization, declared an armed rebellion in Russia. He declared a revolution and stated his intention of overthrowing Russian military authorities, accusing Russian military leaders of attacking his soldiers. He claimed to have infiltrated Russia with his soldiers in order to destabilize the country’s military authority.
The Wagner Group CEO has also claimed the removal of Vladimir Putin as President, claiming that a new leader will be appointed soon. This is the most outrageous threat to President Vladimir Putin since the war with Ukraine began last year.
What is the current situation, as of Monday?
Yevgeny Prigozhin has agreed to halt the protest and his army is not marching towards Moscow anymore, that is such a big relief for Russian citizens! Wagner group’s original plan was to take over Moscow and overthrow the government as it seemed on Friday, but now he has come to a deal with Kremlin and when his men were just 200 KM away from heavily fortified Moscow city, he decided to turn back to avoid the fatal bloodshed after negotiating the deal with Kremlin.
Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?
Yevgeny Prigozhin, 62 years old, is the leader of the Russian Wagner group.
How did Yevgeny Prigozhin make this announcement?
He has made these comments via an audio message. He has been heard saying “We are going onwards and we will go to the end. We will destroy everything that stands in our way.” He said he and his 25,000 soldiers were willing to sacrifice their lives. “We are all prepared to give our lives. All of us, 25,000, and then another 25,000,” the 62-year-old Prigozhin said in a voice message. “We are laying down our lives for the Russian people.”
The Wagner chief has been accused of “incitement to armed rebellion” after he asked Russians to join his 25,000 Wagner fighters against defense minister Sergei Shoigu and other top military commanders.
What is the Wagner Group?
The Wagner Group, officially called PMC Wagner, is a Russian paramilitary organization that operates beyond the law in Russia. It is basically a private military company and a network of mercenaries. The group was first identified in 2014 while backing pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.
However, in January, the UK Ministry of Defense informed that the Wagner Group now consists of 50,000 fighters in Ukraine and has become a key component of the Ukraine campaign, according to BBC reports. It is said that the Wagner Group was involved in Russia’s capture of Bakhmut city which is situated in eastern Ukraine.
The reputation of the Wagner Group
Wagner group has a reputation for brutality and ruthlessness. Western countries and UN experts have accused Wagner mercenaries of human rights abuses throughout Africa, including in Central African Republic, Libya, and Mali.
Why the Wagner Group and Russia are fighting?
In January this year, Prigozhin claimed full credit for capturing the Donetsk region salt-mining town of Soledar in Ukraine and accused the Russian Defense Ministry of trying to steal Wagner’s glory. He has repeatedly complained the Russian military failed to supply Wagner with sufficient ammunition to capture Bakhmut and threatened to pull out his men, according to The Associated Press reports.
What Russian President Vladimir Putin has to say on this matter?
Russian President Vladimir Putin in an emergency televised address said that an “armed mutiny” by the Wagner Group mercenary force was treason, and that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished.
He said he would do everything to protect Russia, and that “decisive action” would be taken to stabilise the situation in Rostov-on-Don, a southern city where Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said his forces had taken control of all military installations.
What measures Russia is taking now?
Russian authorities have tightened security measures in several regions, after the chief of the mercenary group Wagner’s warning to the country. Rostov governor Vasily Golubev said on social media, “Law enforcement agencies are doing everything necessary to ensure the safety of residents. I ask everyone to stay calm.”
The Russian authorities have increased security in several regions and the Moscow mayor said that “anti-terrorism” actions were being taken in the city. According to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, security was tightened in Moscow at government facilities and key infrastructure with the Russian National Guard and security forces being put on alert.