Russia Investigating Wagner Leader For Potential Armed Mutiny

Russian intelligence is accusing Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group fighting alongside Russia in the Ukraine invasion, of inciting an armed mutiny after Prigozhin declared the mercenaries were “going to figure out why chaos is happening in Russia.”

Details: On Friday, Prigozhin claimed Wagner forces were struck by Russian missiles while fighting in Ukraine. He has previously been critical of Russian leadership, at one point threatening to pull Wagner forces from the frontlines of the battle if they did not receive additional ammunition.

Key Quotes: Following the alleged attack, Prigozhin shared a message on Telegram stating the Wagner group was “declaring war on the Russian Ministry of Defense.” He added, “PMC Wagner Commanders' Council made a decision: The evil brought by the military leadership of the country must be stopped. Those who destroyed today our guys, who destroyed tens, tens of thousands of lives of Russian soldiers will be punished.” Prigozhin stated the Wagner group would return to Ukraine afterward, stating, “We will deal with those who destroy Russian soldiers. And we will return to the frontline.” Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee denied Prigozhin’s allegations in a statement reading, “The statements that are being spread on behalf of Yevgeny Prigozhin are absolutely unfounded. In connection with these statements, the Federal Security Service of Russia has started an investigation into a call for an armed mutiny. We demand that unlawful actions be stopped immediately.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum are covering developments prominently.