Date: June 24, 2023
The ongoing saga involving Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder and chief of the Wagner mercenary force, has taken a dramatic turn as he directly challenges Russia's official justification for the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin has accused the army's top generals, including Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, of orchestrating a campaign of deception to support the invasion of Ukraine.
In a video clip released on Telegram by his press service, Prigozhin boldly proclaimed that Russia's official narrative, which cited aggressive actions from Ukraine and imminent NATO threats, was built upon a foundation of lies. He vehemently rejected these justifications, claiming that the Defense Ministry was attempting to deceive society and even the president.
According to Prigozhin, the war in Ukraine served ulterior motives rather than the stated goals of demilitarization or denazification. He alleged that Defense Minister Shoigu sought personal gain, including the aspiration to become a marshal and acquire a second "Hero of Russia" medal. Prigozhin's accusations strike at the heart of Russia's military leadership, challenging their integrity and casting doubt on the legitimacy of their actions.
These bold statements by the Wagner chief provide a crucial backdrop to the current tensions between his mercenary group and the Russian authorities. Prigozhin's allegations suggest a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the military leadership's decision-making, sparking discontent within the ranks and potentially motivating his call to action against the Russian military.
The subsequent events unfolded in quick succession, with Prigozhin calling for the support of Russians and urging them to join the Wagner forces. He claimed to command a sizable contingent of 25,000 troops and emphasized their collective aim to address what they perceive as rampant lawlessness in the country. However, he has also clarified that their actions are not intended to directly confront Russian troops but rather to seek justice.
In response to Prigozhin's call, the Russian authorities have taken swift action. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for allegedly inciting armed mutiny, as reported by Russia's state-owned TASS news agency. President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the developments, and measures are being undertaken to address the situation, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
What is Wagner Mercenary Force?
The Wagner mercenary force is a controversial private military company (PMC) based in Russia. It was founded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent Russian businessman with close ties to the Kremlin. Wagner has gained notoriety for its involvement in various conflicts, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. The group is believed to recruit mercenaries, primarily from Russia and other former Soviet states, to carry out military operations on behalf of clients, often in regions where Russian interests are at stake. Wagner's operations have raised concerns about its lack of accountability, potential human rights violations, and its ambiguous relationship with the Russian government.
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