A civil war breaks out in Russia as Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin leads a convoy towards Moscow and loyalist parts of the Russian army attack it.
Reports are scattered and unreliable, but helicopters engage the column, and photos indicate that three were shot down. There are scattered videos of battles along the highways and other videos that suggest other parts of the Russian army have switched sides.
We will destroy everything around, we are all ready to die – all 25 thousand, and then another 25 thousand, because the Russian people must be liberated,” said Prigozhin, who regularly posts audio statements on Telegram.
Putin addressed the nation and here is the full text:
I appeal to the citizens of Russia, members of the armed forces, law enforcement and security agencies, fighters and commanders who are currently fighting for their positions, repel enemy attacks, and do it heroically.
I spoke with leaders in all directions last night. I also appeal to those who have been deceitfully drawn into the criminal adventure, and pushed towards the grave crime of armed rebellion.
“Today Russia is waging the hardest war for its future, repelling the aggression of neo-Nazis and their associates. All military, economic and information apparatuses of the West have turned against us. We are fighting for the life and security of our people. For our sovereignty and independence. The right to remain Russia, a country that has 1000 years from history.
It is a battle in which the fate of our people will be decided and it requires the unification of all our forces, our unity, our unification and our responsibility. Everything else that weakens us must be pushed aside.
Our external enemies use any arguments to undermine us from within. Thus, actions that divide our unity are a betrayal of our people, our fellow fighters who are now fighting on the front lines.
It is a blow in the back of our country and our people. This blow was dealt exactly in 1917 when the country was in the First World War, but its victory was stolen. Intrigues and arguments behind the back of the army turned out to be the greatest disaster, the destruction of the army and the state, the loss of vast territories, which led to tragedy and civil war. Russians were killing Russians, brothers killing brothers. But the beneficiaries were political diversions of wealth and foreign powers who divided and tore the country apart.
We will not let this happen. We will protect our people and our country from any threats, including internal betrayal. What we are facing is precisely an internal betrayal. Unusual ambitions and personal interests led to treason. Betrayal of their country, their people and the condition for which the Wagner fighters were dying alongside our soldiers. Heroes who liberated Soledar, Artemivsk, towns and cities of Donbass. They fought and gave lives for Novorossia and the unity of the Russian world.
Their name and glory have also been betrayed by those who try to organize rebellion, drive the country into anarchy and fratricide, defeat, in the end, and surrender.
“Repeat: Any internal rebellion is a mortal threat to our state, to us as a nation. It is a blow against our nation and our people. And Our actions to defend the homeland from such a threat would be barbaric. Whoever consciously walked the path of treason, prepared armed rebellion, and walked the path of extortion and terrorist acts, would suffer inevitable punishment. They will obey the law and our people.
“The Armed Forces and other departments were properly directed. Additional anti-terror measures are now being carried out in Moscow, the Moscow region and a number of other regions. Decisive measures will be taken to stabilize Rostov-on-Don.
“It is still difficult. The work of the civil and military oversight departments is practically prohibited. As the President and Supreme Commander of Russia, as a citizen of Russia, I will do everything to defend the country, protect the constitution, the life and safety of citizens, and the freedom of citizens.
Those who prepared a military rebellion, who take up arms against the fighting brothers, have betrayed Russia, and they will pay for it. And those who are being dragged into crime, I ask not to make this grave, tragic and unrepeatable mistake. Make the right choice – stop participating in criminal business.
I believe we will defend and preserve what is sacred to us. Together with the motherland, we will overcome all challenges, and become stronger.”
This is a truly perilous moment in world history. Putin’s frequent references to Russian history and the country’s survival make me fear how far he will go to defend his position.
Initially, Wagner’s comments were directed at the Russian Defense Ministry and the possibility of change there, but increasingly they are directed at Putin himself.
This is obviously a multifaceted but amazing development for Ukraine. So far there are no signs of change on the front lines but you have to imagine that Ukraine will regroup for a stronger offensive, especially if Wagner’s forces withdraw (and those who join them).
The range of possibilities here is too wide to even contemplate, but I prefer to hold safe haven assets when the market opens.