Putin Claims Aborted Rebellion Benefited Russia’s Adversaries

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the organizers of a recent uprising, labeling them as traitors who inadvertently served the interests of Ukraine’s government and its allies. In a late-night television address, Putin aimed to project stability while criticizing the perpetrators of the revolt without alienating their sympathizers, some of whom are critical of the Kremlin’s handling of the situation.

Despite the strained resources of the Russian troops amidst a Ukrainian counteroffensive, Putin commended the rank and file mercenaries for preventing a significant escalation of violence. He also emphasized national unity, although there were localized expressions of support for the uprising.

The rebellion’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, defended his actions, claiming to have been motivated by a desire to protect his private military company from dissolution. Prigozhin taunted Russia’s military but denied attempting a coup against Putin. Earlier, he had called for an armed rebellion to remove the military leadership.

Although Putin’s address was highly anticipated, it did not yield any groundbreaking developments. Some political analysts perceive it as a sign of Putin’s dissatisfaction with his portrayal throughout the episode and an attempt to rectify the situation.

The Kremlin released footage of Putin meeting with top security, law enforcement, and military officials, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, whom the rebels sought to depose. This gesture suggested Putin’s support for Shoigu in the face of the ongoing challenges. Previously, a video had been circulated showing Shoigu inspecting troops in Ukraine.

Putin did not mention Prigozhin by name but criticized the rebellion organizers for attempting to coerce their soldiers into turning against their own comrades. He argued that the mutiny had aimed to divide and weaken Russia, but the adversaries miscalculated.

Western officials have remained restrained in their public statements about the uprising, with U.S. President Joe Biden asserting that the United States and NATO were not involved. Biden expressed caution to avoid giving Putin an opportunity to blame the West or NATO for the events.

Prigozhin claimed that his actions were driven by a desire to allow Wagner to continue operating under a legal jurisdiction, suggesting the possibility of keeping his military force intact. The exact location of Prigozhin remains unknown, and the outcome of the purported deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko remains uncertain.

Although the rebellion was brief, it was not without bloodshed. Russian media reported the downing of several military helicopters and a communications plane by Wagner forces, resulting in at least 15 deaths. Prigozhin expressed regret for the attacks on the aircraft but argued that they were bombing his convoys.

The repercussions of the failed rebellion on the war in Ukraine and Russia’s political system remain uncertain. Western officials assert that Russia’s troops suffer from low morale. The Wagner forces played a crucial role in Russia’s sole recent land victory in Bakhmut.

As the situation unfolds, the revolt’s implications underscore the strains within Russia’s political landscape. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell remarked that the rebellion has exposed cracks in Russia’s political system, noting that the “monster” created by Putin with the Wagner Group has now turned against its creator.