In the face of the open insubordination exhibited by the leader of Wagner towards the Russian high command, Vladimir Putin issued a veiled admonition, indirectly addressing the individual who dares to defy him.
As the night transitioned from Friday to Saturday, Evgueni Prigojine took to the virtual realm, unleashing a series of messages that echoed with audacity. With unwavering confidence, he declared his triumphant return to the southern Russian city of Rostov, accompanied by a formidable contingent of mercenaries. The reverberations of his words conveyed a bold assertion: they had effectively seized control over strategically significant military sites, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of power.
For months, the enigmatic businessman, known for his penchant for provocation and sudden changes of allegiance, has been engaged in a power struggle with the Russian military hierarchy. He relentlessly blames them for the loss of his troops in the eastern part of Ukraine.
In a televised address on Saturday, the Russian President adamantly condemned the “betrayal” of the paramilitary group leader, emphasizing the looming threat of a “civil war.”
Wagner’s mercenary army had previously been involved in conflicts across the Middle East and Africa, despite denying their role. Ever since the neighboring Central African Republic sought the assistance of these Russian fighters to suppress a rebellion in 2018, several African countries, such as Mali and Sudan, have followed suit, seeking their services.
As Moscow strengthens its presence in Africa, particularly through the involvement of Wagner, this tense situation between Putin and Prigojine could potentially alter the landscape. The significance of this mutiny has not gone unnoticed by global leaders either. Washington, Paris, Berlin, and Rome have all expressed their scrutiny of the unfolding developments.