| 27 June 2023
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia's notorious Wagner private military company, has broken his silence and defended his recent mutiny against Moscow's military leadership. In an 11-minute audio statement released on the Telegram messaging app, Prigozhin provided insight into his motives for the mutiny and clarified that his intention was not to overthrow the government but to protect the existence of the Wagner PMC. Although he did not disclose his current whereabouts or future plans, Prigozhin shed light on the events leading up to the mutiny and its abrupt end.
Prigozhin revealed that the Wagner unit faced imminent dissolution on July 1 due to what he referred to as "intrigues and ill-considered decisions." He emphasized that signing a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence would have rendered the company combat incapable and risked the lives of experienced fighters and commanders. While a small percentage of fighters agreed to transfer to the Ministry of Defence, Prigozhin insisted that the decision to do so was made at an inopportune moment.
The occupation of Rostov-on-Don city played a pivotal role in the mutiny. Prigozhin claimed that the Wagner PMC had planned to leave on June 30, publicly handing over their equipment near the headquarters of Russia's Special Military Operation in Ukraine. However, the situation took a violent turn when the PMC was subjected to a missile strike and helicopter attacks, resulting in the deaths of approximately 30 Wagner fighters and injuries to others. These events prompted the Wagner Council of Commanders to expedite their movement towards Moscow.
Prigozhin emphasized that the primary objective of the march on Moscow was to safeguard the existence of the PMC and hold accountable those responsible for the series of mistakes. He maintained that the public, along with servicemen who witnessed their march, supported their actions. According to Prigozhin, the 24-hour journey covered a staggering distance of 780 kilometers (484 miles), bringing them within 200 kilometers (124 miles) of the Russian capital. During this time, they encountered minimal resistance, blocking military units and airfields along their path. Prigozhin highlighted the positive reception they received from civilians in Russian cities, who greeted them with Russian flags and symbols of the Wagner PMC.
Despite their initial progress, Prigozhin explained why the march on Moscow was ultimately halted. He cited concerns over shedding the blood of Russian soldiers as a crucial factor in their decision to turn back. The deployment of an assault detachment near Moscow, coupled with the anticipated bloodshed, compelled them to reconsider their approach. Prigozhin reiterated that their goal was not to overthrow the government but rather to register their protest against existing injustices. It was at this juncture that Belarusian President Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko extended an offer to find legal solutions for the future operations of the Wagner PMC within his country's jurisdiction.
Prigozhin contended that the "march of justice" underscored the significant security challenges prevailing throughout Russia. While he provided limited details about their current plans, his statement shed light on the internal struggles within the Wagner PMC and the complex dynamics between private military companies and the Russian government.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear how the Russian government will respond to Prigozhin's mutiny and the future of the Wagner PMC. The audio statement has ignited speculation and raised questions about the extent of Prigozhin's influence, the intentions of the Wagner PMC, and the wider implications for Russian security forces.
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