Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his resolve to quash an armed uprising led by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The statement came after Prigozhin claimed to have seized control of a southern city in what seemed to be an attempted coup against the military leadership. This drastic development underlines what may be the most significant internal crisis Putin has faced since the invasion of Ukraine in February of the previous year.
In a televised address, Putin characterized the rebellion as “a stab in the back” fueled by “excessive ambitions and vested interests.” He warned that Russia’s response against this perceived threat would be severe. Those who consciously tread the path of betrayal, inciting armed insurrections, and resorting to blackmail and terrorism will face inevitable punishment, the Russian president asserted.
Prigozhin had asked Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff, to meet him in Rostov, a city near the Ukrainian border. Prigozhin claimed he had control of the city and expressed his intent to unseat the military leaders over their alleged catastrophic handling of the war against Ukraine.
Wagner Militia’s Role
Prigozhin’s private militia, Wagner, was crucial in capturing the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut last month. He has been openly criticizing Shoigu and Gerasimov for their incompetence and lack of support for Wagner for several months. Prigozhin crossed a significant line by stating that Putin’s rationale for invading Ukraine was based on lies conceived by the army’s top brass.
In a series of audio messages, Prigozhin clarified his intention to take action against the army. He claims to have 25,000 fighters ready to “restore justice.”
According to a Russian security source, his militia reportedly took control of Voronezh’s military facilities.
Read: Prigozhin’s Rebellion: Wagner Group Leader Challenges Russian Military Leadership
Russia’s Response
Russia’s FSB security has initiated a criminal case against Prigozhin for armed mutiny. It has labeled his statements as “calls for the start of an armed civil conflict on Russian territory.” In addition, it urged Prigozhin’s fighters not to carry out any actions against the Russian people or follow his “criminal and traitorous orders.”
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Russia’s main security services reported to Putin “round the clock.” Moscow is also ramping up its security measures. U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation on the international front.
Amidst these developments, Prigozhin has denied allegations of attempting to stage a military coup. While he led his fighters from Ukraine to Rostov, he stated that his forces would blockade the city and move towards Moscow unless the military leadership arrived. Local officials and military figures have issued statements and appeals in response to this crisis.
