On Saturday, Trump issued a warning about the potential consequences of removing Putin from power in Russia, suggesting that his successor could be even more problematic. Trump chose Truth Social as the platform to deliver his message.
At the time of his statement, a private Russian military unit called Wagner was advancing towards Moscow, posing a significant threat to Putin’s leadership. However, the paramilitary column later announced its decision to retreat in order to prevent violence.
The march of the Wagner force highlighted a significant and potentially explosive division within Russia regarding Putin’s leadership. In response, the Moscow government implemented private checkpoints, deployed armored vehicles, and heightened security measures.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner group, claimed to command 25,000 troops and criticized military commanders for their handling of the conflict in Ukraine. The military force advanced 60 miles into Russia and seized control of Rostov-on-Don, a key city in Russia’s operations against eastern Ukraine.
Prigozhin accused Russian government forces of launching attacks on Wagner field camps in Ukraine using rockets, helicopter gunships, and artillery. He specifically targeted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and had previously called for his removal.
Rather than characterizing the situation as a military coup, Prigozhin referred to it as a “march of justice.”
In response, Putin denounced the rebellion as “treason” and vowed severe consequences for those involved, issuing orders to the military and other government agencies.
However, Prigozhin later announced that the march had been halted, and his forces were returning to the field camps in Ukraine under an agreement brokered by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The details of the agreement are still unclear.
In an audio message shared on social media, Prigozhin explained that despite being only 120 miles away from Moscow, he decided to retreat to avoid any bloodshed among Russians.
The Belarusian government stated that a mutually beneficial solution was being pursued, providing security guarantees for the Wagner PMC fighters.
The United States is closely monitoring the situation and intends to consult with its allies and partners, according to statements made by National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge on Friday night.