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Hello and welcome to our ongoing coverage of the latest crisis in Russia as Vladimir Putin’s “private army” rebels.
What do we know so far?
The leader of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a rebellion on Saturday that threatens Vladimir Putin’s grip on power and could spark an all-out civil war in Russia.
Prigozhin took control of military headquarters at the town of Rostov and a Wagner column was on its way to Moscow late on Saturday (local time).
Putin reacted angrily. He called the rebellion treason and vowed to crush the rebellion.
Read more from our Europe correspondent Rob Harris: ‘A stab in the back’: Putin says those involved in mutiny will be punished
Where does this leave us?
Prigozhin has been fiercely critical, not of Putin, but of the way Russia has fought the war in Ukraine. He has been on the frontlines and spent months churning through Russian men for the strategically pointless town of Bakhmut.
He is closer to the forces actually fighting the war than Putin and therefore will be more in touch with local commanders.
That means Prigozhin’s ability to garner loyalty is high.
Read more on Prigozhin from reporter Sherryn Groch: Who’s behind Wagner, the most notorious mercenary group in the world?
Even so, he does not have the numbers to take on Putin and his rebellion may be put down, but, either way, it’s disastrous for Putin. His grip on power has been weakened.
Read more: Amid infighting among Putin’s lieutenants, Prigozhin appears to have taken a step too far
Follow along as we continue to cover this fascinating story as it evolves.
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