Unraveling Allegiance: The Wagner Group's Audacious Coup Attempt in Russia and its Potential Ramifications

Wagner fighters on the streets of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Saturday

As of June 23, 2023, there are reports of a possible coup attempt in Russia by the Wagner Group, a private military company. The Wagner Group, which is said to have between 25,000 and 50,000 troops, is allegedly attempting a coup against the Russian military leadership. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is the head of the Wagner Group and was once a close advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is reportedly leading this attempt. The Russian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Prigozhin, charging him with mutiny​¹​.

According to reports, the Wagner Group has seized Russia's southern military district and administration district in Rostov. Prigozhin is said to be leading his forces on a “march for justice” into Rostov, which is a southern Russian city known to be a military hub overseeing operations in Ukraine. There have been claims that the Russian military targeted Wagner troops in a series of strikes, which Prigozhin cites as the reason for demanding retribution. However, the Russian military disputes these claims, and there is no independent verification available. During the march, local young conscripts allegedly offered no resistance, although there are reports of a Russian helicopter attacking Prigozhin’s battalion and being shot down inside Russia​¹​.

In Moscow, heightened security measures are being implemented in response to the apparent mutiny. Armored vehicles have been positioned across central Moscow, including near key government buildings such as the Federation Council and the Prosecutor General’s Office. High-ranking military officials with prior affiliations to the Wagner Group are appealing to the group’s soldiers to reconsider their actions in order to avoid a civil war​¹​.

Members of the Wagner Group are said to have launched a calculated offensive with the goal of seizing control of key governmental installations within Moscow, including the Kremlin. The Wagner Group operates outside the purview of the Russian military and has been implicated in numerous conflicts worldwide. However, this is the first time the group is accused of attempting to subvert the government of its own country. The Russian government has denied the claims of an attempted coup, labeling it a “terrorist attack” and attributing it to “foreign agents”. This incident has brought the complex relationship between the Russian government and the Wagner Group into the spotlight, and has raised questions about the stability of the Putin administration. Internationally, the news of the attempted coup has caused alarm among NATO member states, and international bodies such as the EU and UN are closely monitoring the situation. If confirmed, this coup attempt could be a significant turning point in Russia’s political history and could lead to shifts in power dynamics​¹​.

As of now, there is no verified information regarding President Putin leaving Moscow in his plane. It's important to keep in mind that the situation is rapidly evolving and information might change. Some reports have come out that he has left Moscow completely but not verified currently. More updates to come as reports continue to roll in.