Over the past two days, Russia has transformed from a military powerhouse to a politically uncertain nation. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, appeared to launch an armed uprising before ordering his troops to march back.
Prigozhin said his troops were on a “march for justice” and at one point were reported to be heading for Moscow. This led to intense defensive preparations. However, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko interceded and got Prigozhin to say that his troops they are turning back to avoid Russian bloodshed.
Observers are unanimous that Putin is weakened. His image as an iron-fisted leader is clouded.
Wagner’s boss said the march on Moscow showed security problems in Russia
The leader of the Russian mercenary group Wagner recently spoke about the failed rebel march on Moscow.
In an audio Telegram message, the leader expressed concern about “very serious security problems” in Russia, but denied any intentions to topple President Vladimir Putin.
After the aborted uprising, reports indicate that the leader relocated to Belarus under a deal brokered by Minsk. The uprising was reportedly motivated by a desire to protect deployed mercenary units and hold the Russian military leadership accountable for alleged “huge mistakes” during the Ukraine campaign.
“We went to demonstrate our protest and not to overthrow the power in the country,” Prigozhin said.
But he said the uprising – which saw armed fighters speed through southern Russia on their way to Moscow – exposed major security problems.
Wagner’s convoy stopped 200 kilometers (125 miles) outside Moscow and “blocked all military infrastructure” including air bases along its route, Prigozhin said.
He claimed the group had support from locals along the way. “In Russian cities, we were met by civilians with Russian flags and symbols of Wagner,” Prigozhin said. “Everybody was happy when we passed through. Prigozhin said Belarusian leader Alexander Luka.
