The UK Defense Ministry’s intelligence update highlights the Russian state-approved media’s three-phase response to the Wagner Group mutiny, including attempts to shape narratives and diminish the significance of Wagner owner Prigozhin.
The ministry tweeted:
- “Russian state-approved media has responded to the 24 June 2023 Wagner Group mutiny in three phases. Outlets were almost certainly initially surprised by the mutiny and were not prepared; Russian TV maintained its usual schedule.”
- “After the insurrection was defused, Russian state outlets sought to ‘correct’ claims that security forces had been passive. Narratives promoted the idea that President Vladimir Putin had triumphed by thwarting the insurrection, while avoiding bloodshed, and sought to unite the country behind the president.”
- “Nearly a week later, the state started to play down the significance of Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin and the mutiny, while tarnishing his character. Wagner Telegram channels have largely gone silent, almost certainly due to state intervention. By contrast, Putin has undertaken unusually prominent public engagements, almost certainly aiming to project strength.”
Read also:
- Russia’s General Surovikin and deputy defense minister vanish following Wagner Group mutiny, revealing divisions – UK intel
- Putin loses grip on power, Ukraine to reclaim Crimea, Zelenskyy tells CNN
- Camp for around 8,000 Wagner mercenaries set up in Belarus – Belarusian OSINT group
- Wagner Group still recruiting despite mutiny, BBC finds
- Wagner troops will no longer fight in Ukraine, spy chief Kyrylo Budanov says
- Putin acknowledges that Russian state fully funded Wagner Group “private military company”
- Prigozhin stops Wagner forces 200 km away from Moscow, says they return to field camps
- Wagner chief announces “march for justice” after alleged Russian strike on mercenary troops (UPDATES)
