Owner of Wagner Private Military Contractor Calls for Armed Rebellion Against Russian Defense Minister
In a bold move that directly challenges the Kremlin, the owner of the Wagner private military contractor, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has called for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia’s defense minister. The security services wasted no time in responding, calling for Prigozhin’s immediate arrest.
The seriousness with which the Kremlin is taking this threat is evident in the heightened security measures implemented in Moscow and Rostov-on-Don, the headquarters for the Russian military in the southern region and the overseeing of fighting in Ukraine.
The outcome of this confrontation remains uncertain, but it is likely to hinder Moscow’s war effort as Ukrainian forces are currently probing Russian defenses in the initial stages of a counteroffensive. The dispute, particularly if Prigozhin were to succeed, could also have repercussions for President Vladimir Putin and his ability to maintain a united front.
Prigozhin claimed that his forces had crossed into Russia from Ukraine and had reached Rostov without facing any resistance from young conscripts at checkpoints. He stated that his forces “aren’t fighting against children” but warned that they would destroy anyone who stands in their way.
According to Prigozhin, the chief of the General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, ordered warplanes to strike Wagner’s convoys, which were driving alongside ordinary vehicles. He also alleged that his forces shot down a Russian military helicopter that fired on a civilian convoy, although there is no independent confirmation of these claims.
While there is no confirmation yet on Russian social networks that Wagner convoys have entered Rostov-on-Don, videos posted online show armored vehicles, including tanks, stationed on the streets and troops moving into position. It remains unclear whether these forces are under Wagner or military command. Earlier, heavy trucks were seen blocking highways leading into the city, and long convoys of National Guard trucks were observed on a road.
The governor of the Voronezh region, located just north of Rostov-on-Don, advised residents to stay off the road as a column of military vehicles was moving along the main highway.
Prigozhin stated that Wagner field camps in Ukraine were struck by rockets, helicopter gunships, and artillery fire on orders from Gerasimov following a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He accused Russia’s military brass of incompetence and of starving his troops of weapons and ammunition.
Prigozhin, who claims to have 25,000 troops under his command, called for an armed rebellion against Shoigu and urged the army not to offer resistance, describing it as a “march of justice.” In response, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, part of the Federal Security Services (FSB), charged him with calling for an armed rebellion, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The FSB called his statements a “stab in the back to Russian troops” and accused him of fomenting armed conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin has been informed about the situation and that “all the necessary measures were being taken.”
The situation in Moscow remains tense, with heavy military trucks and armored vehicles seen in several parts of the city. Soldiers carrying assault rifles have been deployed outside the main building of the Defense Ministry, and the area around the presidential administration near Red Square has been blocked, causing traffic disruptions.
Despite the heightened military presence, downtown bars and restaurants are filled with customers, and people were even seen dancing in the street near the entrance of a club close to the FSB headquarters.
Moscow’s mayor announced that counterterrorism measures, including increased control of roads and possible restrictions on mass gatherings, are underway.
Prigozhin’s feud with the Defense Ministry dates back years, and he had refused to comply with a requirement for military contractors to sign contracts with the ministry before July 1. In a statement, he claimed that the ministry had treacherously cheated them and carried out a rocket strike on their rear camps, resulting in the deaths of many comrades. The Defense Ministry denied attacking the Wagner camps.
Prigozhin alleged that Shoigu personally directed the strike and then fled cowardly. He called for an end to the “evil embodied by the country’s military leadership.”
Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya predicted that this would be the end of Prigozhin, stating that “now that the state has actively engaged, there’s no turning back.” She believes that the termination of Prigozhin and Wagner is imminent, with the only variable being the degree of resistance from the Wagner group.
Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, a top military officer, denounced Prigozhin’s move as madness that threatens civil war. He described it as a “stab in the back to the country and the president” and suggested that such a provocation could only be staged by enemies of Russia.
The Defense Ministry released a statement claiming that Ukraine is concentrating troops for an attack around Bakhmut, taking advantage of Prigozhin’s provocation. It stated that Russian artillery and warplanes are firing on Ukrainian forces as they prepare for an offensive.
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington believes that Prigozhin intends for Wagner to move against the Ministry of Defense leadership and forcibly remove them from power, possibly in Rostov-on-Don or even Moscow. However, it is highly unlikely that Putin would accept any armed rebellion, as it would cause irreparable damage to his perceived hold on power.
The White House’s National Security Council is monitoring the situation and will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments, according to Adam Hodge.
Michael Kofman, director of Russia Studies at the CAN research group, views Prigozhin’s actions as a desperate act. He is skeptical that it will end well for Prigozhin or Wagner, unless others of significance join him.
In Kyiv, a Russian missile attack caused a fire on several floors of a 24-story apartment building, killing at least two people and injuring eight. Falling debris from the attack was responsible for the blaze. The city’s military administration head, Serhii Popko, reported that more than 20 missiles were detected and destroyed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on other countries to take heed of warnings that Russia may be planning to attack an occupied nuclear power plant to cause a radiation disaster. Zelenskyy expects other nations to exert pressure on Moscow to prevent such an attack. The Kremlin denies that the threat to the plant is coming from Russian forces.
The potential for a life-threatening release of radiation has been a concern since Russian troops invaded Ukraine and seized the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power station. The U.N.’s atomic energy agency has been monitoring the situation closely.Owner of Wagner Private Military Contractor Calls for Armed Rebellion Against Russian Defense Minister
In a bold move that directly challenges the Kremlin, the owner of the Wagner private military contractor, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has called for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia’s defense minister. The security services wasted no time in responding, calling for Prigozhin’s immediate arrest.
The seriousness with which the Kremlin is taking this threat is evident in the heightened security measures implemented in Moscow and Rostov-on-Don, the headquarters for the Russian military in the southern region and the overseeing of the fighting in Ukraine.
The outcome of this confrontation remains uncertain, but it is likely to hinder Moscow’s war effort as Ukrainian forces are already probing Russian defenses in the initial stages of a counteroffensive. The dispute, particularly if Prigozhin were to succeed, could also have repercussions for President Vladimir Putin and his ability to maintain a united front.
Prigozhin claimed that his forces had crossed into Russia from Ukraine and had reached Rostov without facing any resistance from young conscripts at checkpoints. He vowed to destroy anyone who stands in their way and declared that they will continue their march until the end.
According to Prigozhin, the chief of the General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, ordered warplanes to strike Wagner’s convoys, which were driving alongside ordinary vehicles. He also alleged that his forces shot down a Russian military helicopter that fired on a civilian convoy, although there is no independent confirmation of these claims.
While there is no confirmation yet on Russian social networks that Wagner convoys have entered Rostov-on-Don, videos posted online show armored vehicles, including tanks, stationed on the streets and troops moving into position. It remains unclear whether these forces are under Wagner or military command. Highways leading into the city have been blocked by heavy trucks, and long convoys of National Guard trucks have been seen on the roads.
The governor of the Voronezh region, located just north of Rostov-on-Don, advised residents to stay off the roads as a column of military vehicles was seen moving along the main highway.
Prigozhin accused Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu of ordering strikes on Wagner field camps in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of many comrades. He called for an armed rebellion against Shoigu and urged the army not to offer resistance, stating that it is a march of justice rather than a military coup.
In response, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, part of the Federal Security Services (FSB), charged Prigozhin with calling for an armed rebellion, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The FSB called his statements a betrayal of Russian troops and urged Wagner’s contract soldiers to arrest Prigozhin and refuse to follow his orders.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin has been informed about the situation and that all necessary measures are being taken.
The situation in Moscow remains tense, with heavy military trucks and armored vehicles seen in several parts of the city. Soldiers armed with assault rifles have been deployed outside the main building of the Defense Ministry, and the area around the presidential administration near Red Square has been blocked, causing traffic congestion.
Despite the heightened military presence, downtown bars and restaurants are filled with customers, and people were even seen dancing in the street near the entrance of a club close to the FSB headquarters.
Prigozhin’s feud with the Defense Ministry dates back years, and he had refused to comply with a requirement for military contractors to sign contracts with the ministry by July 1. In a statement, he expressed readiness to find a compromise but accused the ministry of treacherously cheating them.
The Defense Ministry denied attacking the Wagner camps and stated that Ukraine is concentrating troops for an attack around Bakhmut, taking advantage of Prigozhin’s provocation. Russian artillery and warplanes have been firing on Ukrainian forces as they prepare for an offensive.
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington believes that Prigozhin intends for Wagner to move against the Ministry of Defense leadership and forcibly remove them from power, possibly in Rostov-on-Don or even Moscow. However, it is highly unlikely that Putin would accept any armed rebellion, as it would severely damage his perceived hold on power.
The White House’s National Security Council is closely monitoring the situation and plans to consult with allies and partners regarding these developments.
Michael Kofman, director of Russia Studies at the CAN research group, views Prigozhin’s actions as desperate and doubts that it will end well for him or Wagner. He believes that the outcome depends on whether Prigozhin is acting alone or if others join him.
In Kyiv, a Russian missile attack caused a fire in a 24-story apartment building, killing at least two people and injuring eight. Falling debris from the attack was responsible for the blaze. More than 20 missiles were detected and destroyed. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called on other countries to take the threat of a potential attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant seriously, warning of a possible radiation disaster. The Kremlin denies any threat to the plant coming from Russian forces.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has noted the increasingly tense military situation in Zaporizhzhia province, where the nuclear power plant is located, and the adjacent part of Donetsk province.
What are the potential implications of an armed revolt against Russia’s defense minister for the private military contractor Wagner and its owner, Yevgeny Prigozhin?
In a bold act of defiance against the Kremlin, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of private military contractor Wagner, has called for an armed revolt to remove Russia’s defense minister from power. The Russian security services wasted no time in responding, calling for Prigozhin’s immediate arrest.
The seriousness of the threat is evident in the heightened security measures implemented in Moscow and Rostov-on-Don, where the Russian military’s headquarters are located. These measures are intended to safeguard against potential disruption of military operations, particularly as Ukrainian forces are currently probing Russian defenses in a counteroffensive.
Both the outcome of this confrontation and its implications for President Vladimir Putin remain uncertain. If Prigozhin were to succeed in his rebellion, it could undermine Putin’s ability to maintain a united front.
Prigozhin claimed that his forces successfully entered Russia from Ukraine, reaching Rostov without facing resistance from young conscripts at checkpoints. He stated that his forces would avoid fighting against children but warned that they would destroy anyone who stands in their way.
Prigozhin accused the chief of the General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, of ordering airstrikes on Wagner convoys, alleging that they were driving alongside civilian vehicles. He also claimed that his forces shot down a Russian military helicopter that had fired on a civilian convoy. However, these claims lack independent confirmation.
Videos posted online show armored vehicles, including tanks, stationed on the streets, and troops moving into position in Rostov-on-Don. The forces present remain unclear, as it is uncertain whether they are under Wagner or military command. Highways leading into the city have been blocked by heavy trucks, and National Guard convoys have been observed.
Prigozhin claimed that Wagner’s field camps in Ukraine were targeted by rockets, helicopter gunships, and artillery fire, following a meeting between Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He accused Russia’s military leadership of incompetence and of neglecting his troops’ supply of weapons and ammunition.
Prigozhin, who asserts control over 25,000 troops, called for an armed rebellion against Shoigu and urged the army not to offer resistance, characterizing it as a “march of justice.” In response, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, part of the Federal Security Services (FSB), charged Prigozhin with calling for an armed revolt, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The FSB condemned his statements as a betrayal of Russian troops and accused him of inciting armed conflict.
President Putin has been briefed on the situation, and “all necessary measures” are being taken, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Moscow remains tense, with heavy military trucks and armored vehicles visible in several parts of the city. Soldiers armed with assault rifles have been deployed outside the Defense Ministry’s main building, and the area around the presidential administration near Red Square has been sealed off, causing traffic disruptions.
Despite the heightened military presence, downtown establishments continue to operate normally, with bars and restaurants filled with customers. Some individuals were even seen dancing in the street near the entrance of a club close to the FSB headquarters.
Counterterrorism measures, including increased road controls and potential restrictions on mass gatherings, are being implemented, according to Moscow’s mayor.
Prigozhin’s dispute with the Defense Ministry stretches back years, and he had previously refused to comply with the requirement for military contractors to sign contracts with the ministry. In a statement, he claimed that the ministry had betrayed Wagner and launched a rocket strike on their rear camps, resulting in the deaths of comrades. The Defense Ministry denied attacking Wagner camps.
Prigozhin accused Shoigu of personally ordering the strike and then cowardly fleeing. He called for an end to the “evil embodied by the country’s military leadership.”
Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya predicts that this will be the end of Prigozhin, stating that “now that the state has actively engaged, there’s no turning back.” She believes that the termination of Prigozhin and Wagner is imminent, with the only variable being the degree of resistance posed by the Wagner group.
Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, a senior military officer, condemned Prigozhin’s actions as madness that poses a threat of civil war. He labeled it a “stab in the back to the country and the president” and suggested that such a provocation could only be staged by Russia’s enemies.
In response to Prigozhin’s rebellion, the Defense Ministry released a statement claiming that Ukraine is amassing troops for an attack around Bakhmut, taking advantage of the situation. It stated that Russian artillery and warplanes are targeting
This article highlights a concerning call for armed rebellion in Russia by a private military contractor. Such ideas must be approached with caution, as they can lead to severe destabilization and conflict. Dialogue and peaceful means are key to addressing grievances, ensuring stability, and fostering a better future for all parties involved.