An armed rebellion spearheaded by the Wagner mercenary group marks 'the most significant challenge to the Russian state' in recent times, according to UK defence officials. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the actions of the private military company a 'betrayal' after its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin vowed to topple Moscow's military leadership.
In its latest intelligence briefing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that 'over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russia's security forces… will be key to how the crisis plays out' as Wagner forces appear to be moving towards the Russian capital. The department tweeted that the feud between the Wagner group and the Russian defence ministry 'escalated into outright military confrontation' in the early hours of Saturday.
"In an operation characterised by Prigozhin as a 'march for freedom', Wagner Group forces crossed from occupied Ukraine into Russia in at least two locations," the MoD said. "In Rostov-on-Don, Wagner has almost certainly occupied key security sites, including the HQ which runs Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
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"Further Wagner units are moving north through Vorenezh Oblast, almost certainly aiming to get to Moscow. With very limited evidence of fighting between Wagner and Russian security forces, some have likely remained passive, acquiescing to Wagner. Over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russia’s security forces, and especially the Russian National Guard, will be key to how the crisis plays out.
"This represents the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times." Wagner troops have played a key role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, succeeding in taking Bakhmut, the city that has seen the bloodiest and longest battles.
But Prigozhin has stepped up his criticism of Russia’s military leadership, accusing it of shelling his fighters. The escalation of Russian infighting could further hamper Moscow’s war effort as the early stages of a Ukrainian counter-offensive unfold.
Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee Tobias Ellwood described the developments as a 'huge opportunity for Ukraine to exploit the current mutiny and chaos in Russia'.
Tory former Cabinet minister Simon Clarke tweeted: "Incredibly serious, and a day when we should remember with thanks our exceptional intelligence and military community who will be monitoring this closely."
Putin has called an armed rebellion a 'betrayal', swearing to 'defend the people' and Russia. He addressed the nation on Saturday morning.
He said the mutiny amounted to 'a deadly threat to our statehood', and vowed 'tough actions' in response. "All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment," Putin added.
"The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders." He called Prigozhin's actions, without referring to the owner of the Wagner private military company by name 'a treason'.
Putin urged 'those who are being dragged into this crime not to make a fatal and tragic, unique mistake, to make the only right choice – to stop participating in criminal acts'. Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner private military company, claimed that his forces now control military facilities in Russia's southern city of Rostov-on-Don.
"We will destroy anyone who stands in our way," Prigozhin said in one of a series of video and audio recordings posted on social media, beginning late on Friday. "We are moving forward and will go until the end," he added.
Russia's security services responded to Prigozhin's declaration of an armed rebellion by calling for his arrest. In a sign of how seriously the Kremlin is taking the threat, security was heightened in Moscow, Rostov-on-Don and other regions.It is not immediately clear how Prigozhin was able to enter the southern Russian city or how many troops he had with him.
