Wagner Rebellion Shakes Putin’s Authority Inside Russia

June 24, 2023March 12, 2026

The Wagner rebellion unfolded after yesterday’s speech by Prigozhin, in which he accused Shoigu not only of failures at the front but also of misleading the führer and dragging the entire country into an unnecessary war against Ukraine — all in his own mercenary interests. Prigozhin emphasized this stupid decision has already led to enormous personnel losses in their armed forces and will lead to more. In other words, Prigozhin and those behind him escalated internal confrontation to the penultimate step, beyond which direct accusations of Pootin himself may follow.

After such a speech, it was hard to imagine it would have no consequences at all. In their information space, a media-significant character directly stated that the entire set of reasons named as grounds for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was a lie. Yes, he didn’t directly accuse Pootin of this lie but said they deceived him. But in an authoritarian system, you can’t do otherwise. In general, the presentation was heavy-handed and testified that certain forces inside the Russian Federation are ready to divide the trough.

Night Fighting at Bakhmut: Russians Kill Russians

Something incredible started near Bakhmut overnight. Regular Russian Federation forces began shelling Wagner remnants with artillery. Wagner responded and, as far as can be understood, began storming regular troop positions. All this came with such obscenities over the radio that it left no doubt — real slaughter was happening there.

Obviously, Shoigu decided to destroy Wagner structures completely and everywhere they could be found. Not only at the front line. After reports from Bakhmut that looked incredible, night video of shooting appeared online. Comments said a regular forces helicopter fired on a Wagner column in Voronezh Oblast. They opened return fire and shot it down.

Already closer to dawn, reports came that Wagner columns were entering Rostov. Later, information appeared that Wagner managed to capture the Southern Military District headquarters and most military personnel switched to Wagner’s side. Meanwhile, local police stepped aside and awaits clarity — Russian police has been known since World War II for always switching to the winning side.

Wagner Takes Rostov Without a Fight

As far as can be understood, by morning Wagner took Rostov under full control and already patrols the city with checkpoints at all entrances. Rumors appeared that Kadyrovites should move toward Rostov. However, considering that Ramzan Kadyrov’s fighters showed nothing at the front except funny TikTok shows, it’s extremely unlikely they can oppose Wagner cutthroats.

By late morning, Wagner methodically seizes control over key infrastructure objects including military and border facilities. In most cases, employees and personnel switch to Wagner subordination without resistance. The Wagner rebellion gains momentum as more units refuse to fight against Prigozhin’s forces.

At the same time, several combat hotspots marked in Voronezh Oblast — specifically along the M-4 Rostov-Moscow highway. Strike aviation works on Wagner. Traffic on the highway is already blocked by numerous Rosgvardia checkpoints. But as sources write from there, Wagner managed to capture control over key Voronezh objects. This concerns large industrial enterprises — primarily the oil depot — and main transport junctions.

Moscow Tears Down Wagner Banners

Meanwhile, Moscow frantically tears down Wagner PMC advertising banners, probably by this moment none remain at all. In St. Petersburg, searches began in Wagner’s main office. Reports cascade that command of another armed forces unit joined Wagner. It becomes increasingly obvious the approaching boundary beyond which the main thing will begin — property redistribution already inside the Rabid Federation itself.

Against this background, one of Pootin’s doubles appeared with a televised address where he called “those who rock the boat” traitors. He urged Wagnerites to come to their senses and return to his power, otherwise he will anathematize and destroy them. But it looks very much like the real Pootin is now giving interviews to his secret suitcases and surely he’s already feeling somewhat sad. Meanwhile, Wagner’s Telegram channel announced the start of civil war.

In general, Prigozhin and those behind him finally took the last escalation step. What’s important: they didn’t challenge Pootin — they accepted his challenge. This matters regardless of any further developments. Previously, nobody questioned Pootin’s leadership. Now this happened publicly. Pootin has no way out — either physically destroy those who did this, or flee.

Well, we observe this situation and make two preliminary conclusions. First: an extremely favorable situation begins developing for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Wagner rebellion creates chaos inside Russia precisely when Ukraine needs it most. Second: now it will become clear how serious the intentions were and remain among RDK, the Legion, and other forces formed from Russians. We’ll probably return to these events since they develop dynamically and positively.