Wagner Group and Russian Military Fallen Out
What’s in today’s article?
- Why in news?
- Rostov-on-Don
- What is the Wagner Group?
- News Summary: Russian Prez Putin accuses Wagner Group of leading ‘armed mutiny’
- Why have the Wagner Group and Russian military fallen out?
- What are the larger ramifications of this development?
Why in news?
- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that an armed mutiny by the Wagner Group mercenary force was treason, and that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished.
- Mr. Putin was addressing the nation after Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that Wagner Group’s troops have taken control of Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia.
Rostov-on-Don
- About the city
- Rostov-on-Don is the largest city in southwestern Russia.
- It is home to a million people, and the administrative centre of Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia.
- This region borders eastern Ukraine where the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has been raging.
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Image Caption: Rostov-on-Don in map
- Significance of this city
- The city itself is approximately just a 100 km away from the border.
- It is located along the main route between the border with Ukraine’s Donbas region and Moscow, around 1,100 km further to the north.
- Consequently, it is a crucial command and logistical hub for the Russian army, housing the headquarters of the Russian Southern Military District.
- Rostov is also the home base for the command centre for the Russian Joint Group of Forces in Ukraine as a whole.
What is the Wagner Group?
- The Wagner Group first surfaced during Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
- Essentially a network of contractors that supply soldiers for hire, the group isn’t registered anywhere and its source of funding remains unknown.
- Apart from Ukraine, Wagner Group is reportedly also active in West Asia and several countries in Africa.
- When Putin decided to invade Ukraine in 2022, Prigozhin and his Wagner Group was at the heart of Russian operations.
- As the Russian advance stalled, the Wagner’s manpower became increasingly important.
- The organisation was accused of being involved in the massacres, rape, and torture of civilians in Ukraine’s Bucha that took place in March 2022.
- According to media reports, it provides its services to different governments often in exchange for access to gold and diamond mines.
News Summary
- The Wagner group chief has said that his forces have taken control of military facilities and the airfield in Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia, close to the Ukraine border.
- He pledged to blockade Rostov and move on to Moscow if Russia’s Defence Minister and top general did not meet with him in the city.
- After this, in a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to crush what he called an armed mutiny.
Why have the Wagner Group and Russian military fallen out?
- Prigozhin, Chief of Wagner Group, accused Russian troops of launching a rocket attack that killed scores of his fighters.
- He also claimed that Russian army officials lied to Putin about the reasons behind going to war against Ukraine.
- Immediately escalating the matter, Prigozhin vowed to march to Rostov in retaliation.
What are the larger ramifications of this development?
- Taking control of Rostov-on-Don, where the headquarters of the Russian army is, is an unprecedented move and it shows how weak the Russian military is.
- The fact that Prigozhin and his troops were able to occupy Rostov is militarily and strategically symbolic.
- It is also significant for Russia’s ability to wage its war in Ukraine.
- Many observers have gone as far as stating that this is a turning point in the war in Ukraine.
Q1) Where is Rostov-on-Don geographically located?
Rostov-on-Don is geographically located in southwestern Russia. It is the administrative center of Rostov Oblast and is situated on the Don River, approximately 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) south of Moscow. Rostov-on-Don is located in the Southern Federal District of Russia, near the border with Ukraine. It is known as an important cultural, industrial, and transportation hub in the region.
Q2) What is armed mutiny?
Armed mutiny refers to a situation where a group of individuals within a military or paramilitary organization rise up against their superiors or authorities, often employing weapons or force to challenge or overthrow the established command structure. It typically involves acts of rebellion, insubordination, or defiance by members of the armed forces who are dissatisfied with their conditions, grievances, or leadership.
Source: Russian Prez Putin accuses Wagner Group of leading ‘armed mutiny’: What we know so far | The Hindu | Indian Express