25-6-2023 (MOSCOW) In a surprising turn of events, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has ordered his mercenaries to halt their advance towards Moscow, thereby averting the potential shedding of Russian blood. Prigozhin’s decision comes as a relief to President Vladimir Putin, bringing an end to one of the most significant challenges to his decades-long rule.
Speaking in an audio message, Prigozhin explained that while his forces were merely 200 kilometers (120 miles) away from the Russian capital, he made the crucial choice on Saturday to redirect them, recognizing the potential for violence. “They wanted to disband the Wagner military company. We set out on a march for justice on June 23. Now, the moment has come when blood could be spilled,” conveyed Prigozhin.
Concerns grew in Moscow as the private army, led by the rebellious mercenary commander, approached the city’s southern periphery. The authorities responded by establishing checkpoints with armored vehicles and deploying troops. Red Square was closed off, and the mayor urged motorists to avoid certain roads.
The swift insurrection by Wagner seemed to progress without significant resistance from Russia’s regular armed forces, raising questions about Putin’s firm grip on power in the nuclear-armed nation. However, the sudden cessation of Wagner’s advance brought relief to the Kremlin. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko played a crucial role in negotiating with Prigozhin, leading to the halt of Wagner’s troop movement. Lukashenko had previously discussed the matter with Putin.
Lukashenko’s office confirmed that Prigozhin accepted the offer to cease Wagner’s group’s advance and agreed to take further steps towards de-escalation. The proposed settlement also includes security guarantees for the Wagner troops.
Notably, Prigozhin did not disclose whether his demand to remove Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu received a response from the Kremlin. As part of the agreement, the Wagner chief will relocate to neighboring Belarus, and the criminal case against him will be closed, as announced by the Kremlin on Saturday. Prigozhin’s troops who participated in the uprising will not face prosecution, while those who did not will be offered contracts by the defense ministry, according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov further explained that Lukashenko offered to mediate, with Putin’s approval, due to his personal acquaintance with Prigozhin spanning approximately 20 years. The avoidance of bloodshed, internal strife, and unpredictable clashes was deemed the highest priority.
This incident posed the most significant threat to Putin’s 22-year rule, with rebel mercenaries advancing towards the Russian capital after seizing a strategic southern military base. However, Wagner began withdrawing fighters and equipment from the city of Rostov-on-Don late on Saturday.
Russian defense analyst Pavel Felgenhauer cautioned that the situation’s outcome remained uncertain. “We’ll have to wait and see what really happens. Ceasefires are not easily upheld. It’s premature to declare it over before examining the details. It can easily unravel within hours or tomorrow,” he commented to Al Jazeera.
Anna Matveeva, from the Russia Institute at King’s College London, emphasized that these events mark a significant change in Russia’s political landscape. “This is the opening chapter of Russia’s political transition. It’s the starting point, and we can anticipate further developments to come,” she remarked.
