The leader of the Wagner militia has refuted allegations of attempting to overthrow the Russian government but has intensified his criticism of the country’s defense establishment in his first public statement since the failed march on Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his first public address since the uprising, stated that the organizers of the Wagner revolt had betrayed their country. However, he acknowledged that most of the fighters in the group were “patriots of Russia” who were manipulated by their command.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, in an audio recording posted on Telegram, clarified that his intention was to protest against the disbandment of Wagner and highlight the weaknesses in Russia’s domestic defenses. He maintained that their goal was not to overthrow the lawfully elected regime but to prevent the destruction of the paramilitary group. He criticized the mistakes made by the military during the invasion of Ukraine and claimed that if the regular army had the same training and morale as Wagner, the invasion could have been resolved quickly. He praised Wagner’s level of organization and suggested that the Russian army should emulate it.
President Putin, on the other hand, urged Wagner paramilitaries to sign contracts with the defense ministry, return home, or leave the country for Belarus. He condemned the rebellion but acknowledged that most of the fighters were loyal to Russia and had been exploited.
Prigozhin explained the reasons behind their decision to turn back from their march on Moscow. He stated that they didn’t want to shed Russian blood and that their objective was to protest, not to overthrow the government. Despite this, the uprising is seen as the most serious threat to Putin’s rule in his 23-year tenure.
The international response to the situation varied. US President Joe Biden characterized it as a struggle within the Russian system, while denying any involvement from the United States. EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell labeled Prigozhin as a “monster acting against his creator” and highlighted the weakening of Putin’s military power. UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace downplayed the impact on Putin’s authority and emphasized that the war in Ukraine was still being prosecuted by key figures within the Russian system.
Despite initial reports that the legal case against Prigozhin would be dropped and that he would leave for Belarus, state media now states that he still faces prosecution. Prigozhin has accused top military officials, Valery Gerasimov and Sergei Shoigu, of corruption and poor planning, leading to the feud between them. The conflict escalated when laws were passed requiring all irregular forces, including Wagner, to pledge allegiance to the defense ministry. Prigozhin claimed that Wagner had planned to hand over its equipment to the army but was forced to act prematurely after their bases were targeted in airstrikes.
In conclusion, Prigozhin’s comments shed light on their motives and the events leading up to the failed march on Moscow. The differing perspectives from international leaders reflect the complex nature of the situation and its potential implications for Putin’s rule.
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