Admittedly, I don’t know what to make of this ?
Some type of dramatic distraction? Or an actual disagreement of some sort?
Some are disputing the hit/strike on Wagner’s camp. Wagner is claiming Russian military hit the camp, others are suggesting this is not accurate- The Kremlin is relatively quiet. The statement from Peskov doesn’t give much away
Western/5 eyes media is making hay over this situation. So, I’m trying to avoid the 5 eyes for now-
Russian Defense Ministry denies claim by Wagner head of attack
In signs of escalating tension between the Kremlin and the paramilitary Wagner Group, Russia late Friday denied claims it had attacked the group.
Russia’s Defense Ministry denied a claim by Wagner Group head Evgeny Progozhin that Russian forces had attacked a camp of the paramilitary group to the rear of Russian lines in Ukraine, calling it an “informational provocation.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stated that President Vladimir Putin has been fully briefed on the situation with Prigozhin, adding that all necessary measures are being taken.
Meanwhile, Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee opened a criminal case against Prigozhin on charges of incitement to armed rebellion and demanded that he “stop the illegal actions.”
Earlier, Progozhin on Telegram shared a voice message claiming that Russian forces had attacked his paramilitary group.
After a reported rocket strike on the Wagner Group, Prigozhin accused the Russian Defense Ministry of responsibility and swore to personally “punish” the perpetrators and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu.
“There’s 25,000 of us and we’re coming to figure out why there’s such chaos in the country,” said Prigozhin. “These 25,000 are waiting as a tactical reserve, and the strategic reserve is the whole army and the whole country. Anyone who wants come and join! We need to end this mess.”
He then claimed that Shoygu came to the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don to “carry out an operation to destroy Wagner,” adding that he used artillerymen and helicopter pilots “in the dark.”
On Thursday, Progozhin claimed that Russian military chiefs are deceiving Putin.
On Telegram, Progozhin highlighted a discrepancy between his information and official data, claiming that “shameless lies are being brought to the president’s desk.”
The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier on Friday that reports circulating on social media that allege the Russian Armed Forces had delivered a strike on “PMC Wagner encampments in the rear” are false
MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware of the situation that is unfolding around Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private military company Wagner, and the necessary measures are being taken, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
“President Putin has been briefed on all events around Prigozhin. The necessary measures are being taken,” he said.
The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier on Friday that reports circulating on social media that allege the Russian Armed Forces had delivered a strike on “PMC Wagner encampments in the rear” are false. The ministry also said Russian forces continue to perform combat missions along the line of engagement with Ukrainian forces in the area of the special military operation.
5 replies on “Coup Plot in Russia? Unfolding Drama”
throwing this out there!
Is it possible the Russians have caught wind of an attack directed their way? And their upping the military reaction, allegedly to this Wagner situation, when really they have intel on some move or strike within Russian territory? That they may be trying to get ahead of?
It’s plausible.
Thoughts, anyone?
Penny.
The theory you advanced in the comment is possible but I don’t think that the Ukrainians are in any condition to mount a large scale military incursion into Mother Russia. They could try small commando operations or some kind of intelligence folly with a dirty bomb but that would not provide the reasoning for any Russian massive military movement.
Progozhin and Putin had a remarkably public feud over artillery support a while ago, but they seemed to patch that up suspiciously quickly and the Wagner forces soon went on to the final triumphant storming of Bakmut. Many felt the ‘feud’ was a psy-op intended to fool the Ukrainians into lowering their guard.
It is very difficult for me to visualize a sneak knife in the back attack by the regular army against the Wagner forces.
Currently all of Wagner has been re-located to the northern front where they are part of a massive Russian army concentration protecting the Belgograd region. Some believe they are on the verge of a great Russian push towards Kharkiv.
Could it be that this current media confrontation is meant to excite the Ukrainians and the Pentagon and provide cover for the launch of such an operation? Scott Ritter seems to think that Progozhin and Putin are tight.
Oh well, I wont be the first amateur armchair prognosticator to make a fool of himself with baseless pontifications from thousands of miles and a cultural universe away from developments.
correction ^
not Belgograd…should be Belgorod
Hi Penny,
This video contains Scott Ritter’s take on this Prigozhin – Shoigu – Putin situation. Essentially, he’s not certain what is happening. He suggests we should stay calm and eventually there will be a resolution. Goes from about the 30 min. to the 50 min. mark.
https://rumble.com/v2vtzyk-scott-ritter-extra-ep.-76-ask-the-inspector.html
Thanks M.R.
I’ve not had a chance yet to listen but am going to right now!