A public video message from Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako was released through the regional telegraph channel. It addressed residents and troops alike, calling for calm and restraint amid unfolding events involving the Wagner private military company. The governor urged Wagner PMC fighters and Primorye residents serving in those units to reconsider their positions and to return to their designated locations and units where they were deployed. The appeal emphasized that actions that could lead to wrongdoing require serious reflection and repentance, and it warned against following the path of commanders who might have taken drastic steps in a tense situation.
On June 23, a statement appeared from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding reports circulating on social networks about an alleged strike on Wagner PMC rear bases. The message, attributed to Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner group, stated that these reports did not reflect reality and were part of an informational provocation designed to mislead the public. The statement underscored that the information being shared online did not match the official facts as they were understood by defense authorities.
In parallel, the Kremlin press office, represented by Dmitry Peskov, and the president’s office confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was informed about the evolving situation surrounding Prigozhin. These lines of communication stressed the importance of verifying rumors against official channels and avoiding actions driven by unverified rumors or fear. The overall tone of the updates highlighted the government’s desire to maintain public order and trust during a time of rapid political and military developments.
Following Prigozhin’s remarks, the National Counter-Terrorism Committee announced it had taken formal steps, including initiating a lawsuit on grounds of incitement to military rebellion. Officials stressed that such legal actions are part of upholding discipline within the armed forces and ensuring accountability for statements that could destabilize military operations or threaten the safety of service members and civilians alike. The development signaled a careful, institutions-first approach to threats posed by inflammatory content and rumors in a volatile environment.
Experts and observers noted that the episode illustrates the tightrope authorities walk between public communication and security concerns. The governor’s message, the Ministry of Defense clarification, and the presidential administration’s involvement collectively reflect a multi-layered response aimed at calming communities, preserving operational integrity, and preventing escalation. Analysts suggest that consistent messaging from regional and federal offices can reduce the risk of misinterpretation and help families understand the path toward stability during a period marked by rapid, high-stakes shifts in alignment and leadership among paramilitary groups and official forces alike.