Russian Officials Stress Unity Following Wagner’s Aborted Mutiny

Senior Russian officials have shown solidarity with President Vladimir Putin in the aftermath of the mutiny led by mercenaries from the Wagner Group. Despite lingering questions regarding the resolution of the mutiny, officials refrained from providing specific details. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin acknowledged the challenge to Russia’s stability and called for public loyalty, emphasizing the need for unity. While Putin himself has not addressed the revolt directly, a video was released by the Kremlin showing him congratulating participants of an industrial forum, without any indication of the filming date.

To project a sense of normality, authorities also released footage featuring Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, whose removal had been demanded by the mutineers. However, there is no sign of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner and the mutiny, who was last seen leaving Rostov-On-Don. The situation in Russia is said to be stable according to the national Anti-Terrorism Committee. As the events unfolded, various governments, both friendly and hostile to Russia, sought answers about the mutiny’s background and potential future developments.

China, a Russian ally, expressed support for maintaining national stability, while Ukraine and some Western allies pointed out weaknesses within Russia. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell highlighted fragilities in Russia’s political system and military power. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was causing its own destruction, reiterating the West’s support for Kyiv. The mutineers had crossed into Russia from Ukraine, capturing a war headquarters in Rostov before abruptly halting their advance toward Moscow.

The current whereabouts of Prigozhin and the Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, remain unknown. NATO characterized the events as a strategic mistake by the Kremlin and affirmed its continued support for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that the turmoil could extend over several months, as more fractures in the Russian facade became apparent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the situation with US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both expressing their support for Ukraine. Putin is expected to attend a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, and conversations between Putin and Belarusian President Lukashenko have taken place.

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the divisions within the Russian camp and the vulnerability of both its army and the Wagner Group. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former ally of Putin and convicted criminal, defied orders to place his forces under the Defense Ministry’s command, leading to the rebellion. The Ukrainian forces have reportedly reclaimed territory along the southern front line, while Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar stated that little significant change had occurred in the past week. Rumors circulated about the possibility of Wagner fighters being moved to Belarus to attack Ukraine from the north, but Ukrainian commander Serhiy Nayev dismissed such claims, warning that crossing the state border would be suicidal for the enemy.