Unraveling Intrigue: Media Reports Shed Light on Wagner Group's Uprising and Uncertain Future

New Delhi 26 June (VNI) According to media reports, the mood in Russia appeared calmer on Sunday, a day after the Wagner Group halted its advance toward Moscow and averted a possible confrontation with the Russian military.

Nicknamed "Putin's chef," Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the mercenary group, was once a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Wagner Group has been an indispensable part of Russia's military engagements in Ukraine and other parts of the world, including Africa and South America, as reported by various media outlets.

The feud between the Wagner Group and Russian defense officials had been ongoing before the uprising, as highlighted by media sources. Prigozhin accused the Russian military's top brass of mishandling the war effort in Ukraine and alleged that ammunition was intentionally withheld from Wagner fighters.

According to media reports, Prigozhin's rebellion against Russia's top military officials may have significantly impacted his fortunes and the future of the Wagner Group. While the Kremlin stated that Prigozhin would not face charges for the mutiny, he has been branded a "traitor" by Putin, and media sources indicate that he will be heading to neighboring Belarus.

Media reports also indicate that it is unclear whether the Wagner Group will be disbanded and what impact such a move could have in Ukraine and other conflict zones where Wagner mercenaries have been operating.

The order issued by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, requiring private military companies, including the Wagner Group, to sign contracts with the military, was reportedly a motivation for Prigozhin to organize the march on Moscow, as media sources suggest.

The media reports also highlight that the Wagner Group's involvement in Ukraine is expected to have minimal impact following the rebellion. Prigozhin himself reportedly stated that operations would continue despite the dispute with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

It is worth noting, according to media reports, that the Wagner Group has been designated as a "transnational criminal organization" by the U.S. Treasury Department and has faced sanctions for its involvement in the war in Ukraine.

Media sources point out that Putin has created a situation where the Wagner Group operates as a de facto fighting force for the Russian state, but with more autonomy than the military. Disarming or demobilizing the Wagner units is reportedly seen as a challenge for Putin.

The media reports also emphasize that while the rebellion within Russia may have ended, it still poses damage to Putin's reputation. Prigozhin, who has yet to make any public statements since the announcement of his move to Belarus, remains a figure of interest, and the future actions of the Wagner Group are uncertain, as media reports suggest.