Russian President Vladimir Putin was reportedly “paralyzed” on the day of the armed mutiny led by the Wagner Group mercenaries, despite being warned in advance, according to a new Washington Post report that cites Ukrainian and other European security officials. This summer, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s troops caused a major challenge to Putin’s leadership by taking control of the Russian military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don.
Afterwards, the mercenaries advanced towards Moscow, but eventually backed down when a deal was reached between Prigozhin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Under the agreement, Prigozhin would move to Belarus in exchange for no charges against him and his soldiers. The aim of the rebellion was allegedly to remove the country’s military leadership, a move that Prigozhin has condemned.
According to intelligence assessments shared with the Post, Putin received a warning from his security services about Prigozhin’s planned attack at least two or three days before it happened. While Russian officials increased security measures and provided more weapons, they took no major action to prepare for the uprising.
European security officials also revealed that there were no orders from Russia’s top command during the initial hours of the rebellion, leading to a lack of resistance from local and military security chiefs against the Wagner forces. A senior Ukrainian security official explained that the authoritarian system in Russia requires clear commands from the leadership before anyone takes action.
Putin’s spokesperson dismissed the intelligence obtained by the Post as “nonsense.” Meanwhile, since the June uprising, thousands of Wagner mercenaries, along with vehicles and construction equipment, have arrived in Belarus, as reported by The Associated Press.
In a recently published video, Prigozhin allegedly addressed his troops in Belarus, stating that they would receive training there before being deployed to Africa. He expressed disappointment in the events taking place on the front line and suggested a return to military operations when certain that their reputation would not be tarnished.
CIA chief William Burns warned that Putin may seek revenge on Prigozhin in the future, as Putin is known for his vindictiveness. Burns stated at the Aspen Security Forum that he would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution.
For more detailed information, read the full Washington Post report.
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