The Wagner mercenary group is now conducting an armed uprising against the Russian military.
Because of this, numerous critics now believe that the Wagner group could be the biggest threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Can the PMC Wagner really end Putin's leadership?
Wagner Group Vs. Russia: How It Started
The Wagner Group (officially known as PMC Wagner) is a paramilitary organization of Russia led by Yevgeny Prigozhin; the Russian mercenary chief and close ally of Putin.
However, a conflict between the Russian military and the mercenary group began on Friday, June 23. Prigozhin openly accused the Russian military of attacking one of their Wagner camps. The official added that many of his men were killed during the attack, as reported by CNN.
Because of this, Yevgeny said that they would retaliate by destroying any resistance. These include Russian aircraft and roadblocks.
"There are 25,000 of us and we are going to find out why there is such chaos in the country," said the Wagner Group leader.
Wagner Group's Actions Against Russia
As of writing, no strong evidence proves that the Wagner Group fighters are really carrying out violent actions against the Russian military.
However, NDTV reported that Prigozhin claimed to have taken down a helicopter that challenged them.
On Saturday, June 24, Prigozhin also allegedly crossed into Russia from Ukraine. The Wagner leader added that they already reached Rostov.
Luckily, no shots were fired since the Wagner Group faced no resistance at checkpoints.
Prigozhin Wants To Oust Defense Minister, Not Putin
NPR reported that the armed rebellion called out by the Wagner Group aims to oust Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, not Putin.
But, Russian security officials are not taking any chances. They are providing round-the-clock updates to Putin so they can counter any attempt at armed mutiny.
"Those who carry deliberately on a path of treason, preparing an armed rebellion when you were preparing terrorist attacks, will be punished," said the Russian leader.
But there's a chance that Putin and Prigozhin will collide since the Wagner leader said that they will "destroy anyone who stands in our way."
The Russian mercenary chief added that they were prepared to go until the end.
