Following the recent failed coup attempt in Russia led by the Wagner Group, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning, expressing caution about the situation. He emphasized that any potential successor to President Vladimir Putin could pose an even greater danger.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “A big mess in Russia, but be careful what you wish for. Next in may be far worse!” His statement seemingly referred to the recent thwarted attempt by Vasily Prigozhin to overthrow Putin’s regime in Moscow.
In response to the internal threat, the Russian government implemented strict security measures across Moscow, including the deployment of private checkpoints and armored vehicles. This unexpected conflict revealed significant internal discord regarding Putin’s rule within Russia.
The private military force involved in the coup attempt was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, who publicly criticized the Russian military leadership’s handling of the Ukraine conflict. Prigozhin emphasized that their actions were not intended as a military coup but rather as a “march of justice.”
Putin denounced the actions of the military force as “treason” and promised severe consequences for those involved. He stated, “All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment. The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders.”
However, Prigozhin later announced the suspension of the march towards Moscow, with the troops retreating to their field camps in Ukraine. The sudden halt was reportedly a result of negotiations mediated by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, although the details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Prigozhin justified the decision by stating that he chose to prevent “shedding Russian blood” when his forces were only 120 miles away from Moscow. The Belarusian government confirmed the resolution of the situation and claimed that the agreement provided security guarantees for the Wagner fighters.
