LIVE UPDATES — Russia's Wagner chief faces 'mutiny' charges; Russian state now facing greatest challenge of recent times

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The Wagner chief urging a ‘civil war’; Is this a coup? What is Prigozhin doing in Russia? Furious Putin calls Wagner mutiny ‘treason’ and ‘mortal blow’

Welcome to this special instalment of The China Brief. Today, we delve into the escalating political maelstrom in Russia, where the commander of Wagner, Prigozhin, has finally and unmistakably declared open rebellion against President Vladimir Putin.

LIVE UPDATES — Russia's Wagner chief faces 'mutiny' charges

Deutsche Welle

The Russian army on Saturday said it would "guarantee the safety" of Wagner mercenaries who stop rebelling against the Russian government and its military. "We are appealing to the fighters of assault squads of PMC Wagner. You were deceived into (Wagner chief's Yevgeny) Prigozhin's criminal venture and participation in an armed rebellion," the army said in a statement. It called on the fighters to ask for help to return to "places of permanent deployment." The city of Moscow the capital's region has declared a counterterrorism state of emergency against the backdrop of the armed uprising by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. The head of the Wagner mercenary group says his troops have occupied key military objects in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, as Yevgeny Prigozhin ramps up his challenge to the Kremlin. "Under our control are military objects of Rostov, including the airport," Prigozhin said in a video released on Saturday morning. He also claimed to have seized control of the army's headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, a city with a population of over 1 million near the border with Ukraine. Prigozhin's claims, however, could not be independently verified. Following claims by Prigozhin that his Wagner forces had crossed from Ukraine into Russia and were on their way to the city of Rostov-on-Don, numerous videos began to appear on social media showing soldiers and tanks moving around inside the city. Reuters was able to verify that the footage was of the police headquarters building, but could not say when it was taken. Local news site 161.ru said that their correspondent has seen tanks and armored vehicles in the center of the city. Rostov is the headquarters of the Russian Southern Military District, a key hub for Russian forces and close to the Ukrainian border. The footage could not be verified and it was also not possible to determine whether the forces shown were Russian military or Wagner mercenaries. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said they were taking "anti-terrorist" measures to secure the Russian capital. "In connection with the incoming information in Moscow, anti-terrorist measures aimed at strengthening security are being taken," Sobyanin said on Telegram. The feud between the Wagner Group and the Russian defense leadership escalated into a confrontation after the mercenary group called on members to support an armed rebellion against the military leadership.

Furious Putin calls Wagner mutiny ‘treason’ and ‘mortal blow’

The Independent

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to crush an "armed mutiny" by the Wagner Group mercenary force, calling it an act of treason and a "mortal blow" to Russia's troops. In an emergency televised address, Putin warned that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished. The statement comes after Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called for an armed rebellion and claimed to have reached the key Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. Prigozhin demanded that the chief of the general staff and the defence minister meet him at the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee has charged Prigozhin with calling for an armed rebellion, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term. Security has been increased in Moscow, and a major motorway has been closed for traffic, while videos have emerged showing armed men around a police building in Rostov-on-Don.

Russia: Can Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin challenge Putin?

Deutsche Welle

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian private military company Wagner Group, has gained prominence in Russia's war against Ukraine. Known for its cruelty and brutal tactics, the Wagner Group has been involved in conflict in Ukraine since 2014. Prigozhin, who has close ties to political elites in Russia, has expanded his business empire to include the Internet Research Agency, which allegedly launched a disinformation campaign to influence the 2016 US presidential election. Prigozhin has also become a vocal critic of Russia's military leadership, accusing them of incompetence and treason. However, his criticisms have not affected his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently promoted a top military official responsible for the conflict in Ukraine. Despite his rising influence, Prigozhin's ambitions in the political arena may damage his relationship with the Kremlin, as they do not appreciate his attacks on official institutions and attempts to form a political party. The Kremlin has also taken steps to limit Prigozhin's role in the war effort by stripping him of the right to recruit convicts for the Wagner Group.

Putin vows to brutally punish 'traitor' Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries

Telegraph

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to "brutally" punish Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries for launching an armed rebellion against the Russian military. In his first speech since Prigozhin declared the attack, Putin ordered his security services to capture the "traitors" and warned that anyone who participates in armed mutiny and terrorist actions will face inevitable punishment. Putin urged those who have been pulled into the rebellion to make the right choice and stop participating in criminal actions. He also emphasized that the rebels are weakening Russia and serving the interests of NATO and the Ukrainian government.

Putin says Wagner 'mutiny' is treason in televised address

Nikkei Asia

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an emergency televised address on Saturday, stating that an "armed mutiny" by the Wagner Group mercenary force was treason. He emphasized that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished. Putin also stated that he would do everything to protect Russia and that "decisive action" would be taken to stabilize the situation in Rostov-on-Don, a southern city where Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed his forces had taken control of all military installations.

UK says Russian state now facing greatest challenge of recent times

Reuters

The UK's defence ministry has said that Russia is facing its greatest security challenge in recent times, following an apparent move by Wagner Group mercenary forces towards Moscow. The ministry warned that the loyalty of Russia's security forces, particularly the National Guard, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the crisis. The UK claims that Wagner Group forces have crossed from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine into Russia and have occupied key security sites in Rostov-on-Don. It also stated that further Wagner units are moving north towards Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the move by the Wagner Group as an "armed mutiny" and has vowed to punish those who have taken up arms against the Russian military.

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The Wagner chief urging a ‘civil war’

The Independent

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group and a longtime associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has called for an armed uprising to oust Russia's defense minister. Prigozhin, who has become famous for leading a mercenary force in Ukraine, has been highly critical of Russia's conduct of the war. In response to his call for rebellion, Russian security services have opened a criminal investigation and are seeking his arrest. The Kremlin has taken Prigozhin's threat seriously, with riot police and the National Guard increasing security at key facilities in Moscow. Prigozhin, who has been nicknamed "Putin's chef," has a long history of business ventures and has been involved in catering and providing utility services to the Russian military. He also owns the Wagner Group, a mercenary force that has been involved in conflicts across Africa and has played a major role in the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin's mercenaries have fought alongside the Russian army in battles with Ukrainian forces. Prigozhin has criticized Russia's military brass, accusing them of incompetence and of failing to provide his troops with the necessary weapons and ammunition. Prigozhin gained attention in the US when he and a dozen other Russian nationals were charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord ahead of Donald Trump's 2016 election victory. He has been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in connection with his alleged election interference and his leadership of the Wagner Group. Despite his criticism of Russia's military leadership, Prigozhin has not faced any retaliation from Putin and continues to play a role in the Russian offensive in Ukraine. While some media reports have suggested that Prigozhin's influence on Putin is growing, analysts warn against overestimating his influence and describe him as part of the staff rather than part of the family.

Ukraine updates: New missile strike targets Kyiv, Kharkiv

Deutsche Welle

Multiple missile strikes hit the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv on Saturday, causing damage and casualties. Ukrainian officials reported that more than 20 missiles were detected and destroyed in the airspace around Kyiv. The fallen debris of a drone triggered a fire in a tower block in Kyiv, injuring seven people. In Kharkiv, one missile hit a gas pipeline, causing a fire. Ukraine's air force also reported missiles heading towards other regions of the country. The attacks prompted the country to be put on air raid alert for over an hour. The mayor of Dnipro, another city targeted by missiles, reported that several houses were completely destroyed.

In other developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his confidence in Ukraine's prospects of becoming a member of the European Union. He stated that there is clear support for Ukraine's EU membership and that the country is already perceived as an EU member politically. Zelenskyy's comments came after the London Ukraine Recovery Conference, where around 500 global companies expressed interest in investing in Ukraine. Additionally, the EU's Enlargement Commissioner stated that Ukraine was on track with its progress towards EU membership and had met two out of seven conditions required to join.

Meanwhile, in Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced "anti-terror" measures in response to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the mercenary group Wagner, announcing his plans to topple Russia's military leadership. Sobyanin stated that additional security checks would be conducted on roads in the city. Prigozhin, in an audio message, stated that his 25,000-strong force was ready to die and vowed to bring down Russia's military leadership, claiming they were fighting for the Russian people.

These missile strikes and escalating tensions further highlight the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, indicate a significant escalation in the conflict. The damage and casualties caused by these strikes are likely to increase tensions and fuel further retaliation from Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of carrying out the attacks, but Russia has denied any involvement. The situation is likely to further strain relations between the two countries and their respective allies.

The missile strikes also come at a time when Ukraine is seeking closer ties with the European Union. President Zelenskyy's comments about Ukraine's EU membership prospects and the interest from global companies in investing in the country indicate that Ukraine is actively seeking to align itself with the EU. However, the ongoing conflict with Russia and the instability it creates in the region may present challenges to Ukraine's EU aspirations.

The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. Despite multiple ceasefires and peace agreements, the conflict has persisted, with occasional escalations in violence, such as these missile strikes. The international community has condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and imposed sanctions on the country. However, a resolution to the conflict remains elusive, and the situation continues to destabilize the region.

Why Wag­n­er mer­ce­nary force has moved against Rus­sia’s mil­i­tary

Al Jazeera

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, has claimed that his forces have entered Russia in order to remove the country's military leadership. This comes after Russian security services announced a criminal investigation into Prigozhin for launching a mutiny. Prigozhin has a history of accusing Russia's top military leaders of failures in the war in Ukraine and has had a long-running feud with the Russian defence ministry.

US says Wagner coup is ‘real’ and ‘serious’ as White House consults allies

Telegraph

US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation in Russia, which officials have described as "serious." The crisis involves Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group, who has been accused by Moscow of launching an armed rebellion. The White House National Security Council is monitoring the situation and consulting with allies and partners. Former CIA chief of Russia operations Steve Hall has said that the situation is in a "different league" to Prigozhin's previous complaints against the Russian military hierarchy, and warned of the potential for a coup. Former congressman Adam Kinzinger warned of the instability that could result from Putin being removed from power, including concerns about nuclear proliferation. Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation, with one of President Volodymyr Zelensky's top advisers predicting "tumultuous times" for Russia.

Amid infighting among Putin’s lieutenants, Prigozhin appears to have taken a step too far

The Sydney Morning Herald

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the millionaire head of the Wagner private mercenary force, has been accused of weakening Russia’s military forces in a rift that has lasted for months. Prigozhin has accused the military leaders of not providing him with munitions in the key battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut. In May, a video showed him calling Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov weak and incompetent. He also blamed them for the carnage: “They came here as volunteers and they died to let you lounge in your mahogany offices,” Prigozhin said. On Friday, he accused Shoigu of ordering a rocket strike on the field camps for his mercenary troops, with a large number of casualties, and said he would move to punish him. The country’s top counter-terrorism organisation has launched a criminal inquiry against Prigozhin and has called for his arrest on charges of fomenting an “armed rebellion” over threats to oust Shoigu.