Understanding the Wagner mutiny

Source: The post is based on the article “Understanding the Wagner mutiny” published in The Hindu on 27th June 2023

What is the News?

Recently, the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, rebelled against Russia’s defense establishment.

The rebellion happened due to the escalating tensions between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the head of Wagner.

However, after negotiations, the Wagner Group called off the rebellion.

What is Wagner Group?

Source: The Hindu

Wagner Group is a ​​private military company and a network of mercenaries in Russia. The group was first identified in 2014 while backing pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.

At that time, it was a secretive organization, operating mostly in Africa and the Middle East. Since then, it has grown considerably.

Although private military forces are illegal in Russia, the Wagner Group registered as a company in 2022 and opened a new headquarters in St Petersburg, Russia.

The Wagner Group was heavily involved in Russia’s capture of the city of Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine.

Why has Wagner clashed with Russia’s military commanders?

In recent months, the Wagner Group head has repeatedly accused the Russian Defence Minister and the head of the Russian army in Ukraine of incompetence and of deliberately undersupplying Wagner units fighting in Ukraine.

The confrontation escalated when Wagner Group accused top Russian defense officials of bombing Wagner troops in Ukraine, resulting in numerous deaths. 

Later, the Wagner Group went on to seize control of the military headquarters in the southern Russian city and proceeded to remove the Russian military leadership.

At one point, Wagner troops were said to be getting closer to Moscow, without encountering any resistance.

However, as the escalation appeared to be heading toward possible confrontation, the group called off its troops and announced that they had agreed to leave Russia, following mediation by the Belarus President.

The deal included a pledge to stop the prosecution of the Wagner chief and the troops participating in what Russia called a mutiny.

What does the Wagner Group mutiny show?

The Wagner Group mutiny has set an example of challenging Russia’s state institutions and walking away freely, something that’s unheard of in Russia and could have echoes in the future.

This whole incident has also exposed Russian President Putin’s weakening authority.