On June 23rd, a group of mercenaries belonging to the Wagner group attempted a rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The following day, both sides mutually agreed to work together again.
The Wagner Group was formed in 2014 by Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Russian government made use of them in many capacities. Since the start of the war in Ukraine last year, the group has supplied mercenaries who have fought on behalf of Russia. Mr Prigozhin has been a Putin loyalist and businesses have benefited greatly from this relationship.
The Wagner soldiers have played an important role on the battlefield in Ukraine. But tension has escalated between the Wagner group and the Russian government. Putin passed a rule requiring Wagner fighters to join the Russian military. This was unacceptable to Mr Prigozhin. He claimed that the Russian army was firing at the Wagner Group. In retaliation, forces belonging to the Wagner group began to march towards Moscow.
Shortly after they started, they captured Rostov-on-Don, a territory close to the Russia-Ukraine border. From there, approximately 5000 combatants began their journey towards Moscow in the early hours of June 24th. They were about 200 km from Moscow when a deal was struck between Prigozhin and Putin.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko mediated an agreement that led to the two parties ending the conflict. This deal required an immediate end to the planned revolt in exchange for a guarantee of safety for the rebels.
Putin addressed Russian citizens, calling this a treasonous act. He vowed to take “harsh steps” against those involved. The Kremlin announced that Mr Prigozhin will be sent to Belarus.
In the 24 years since President Putin has been at the helm of Russia, he has held a firm grip on the country. These recent events have made him look weak. Although lasting just a day, this rebellion has been the most significant challenge to his rule yet.
The Wagner Group was formed in 2014 by Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Russian government made use of them in many capacities. Since the start of the war in Ukraine last year, the group has supplied mercenaries who have fought on behalf of Russia. Mr Prigozhin has been a Putin loyalist and businesses have benefited greatly from this relationship.
The Wagner soldiers have played an important role on the battlefield in Ukraine. But tension has escalated between the Wagner group and the Russian government. Putin passed a rule requiring Wagner fighters to join the Russian military. This was unacceptable to Mr Prigozhin. He claimed that the Russian army was firing at the Wagner Group. In retaliation, forces belonging to the Wagner group began to march towards Moscow.
Shortly after they started, they captured Rostov-on-Don, a territory close to the Russia-Ukraine border. From there, approximately 5000 combatants began their journey towards Moscow in the early hours of June 24th. They were about 200 km from Moscow when a deal was struck between Prigozhin and Putin.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko mediated an agreement that led to the two parties ending the conflict. This deal required an immediate end to the planned revolt in exchange for a guarantee of safety for the rebels.
Putin addressed Russian citizens, calling this a treasonous act. He vowed to take “harsh steps” against those involved. The Kremlin announced that Mr Prigozhin will be sent to Belarus.
In the 24 years since President Putin has been at the helm of Russia, he has held a firm grip on the country. These recent events have made him look weak. Although lasting just a day, this rebellion has been the most significant challenge to his rule yet.
