Information provocation and the Wagner case in Russia (summary)

Information provocation

The Russian Ministry of Defense described messages and videos circulating on social networks that purportedly show Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin claiming that a strike hit the rear camps of PMC Wagner as an information provocation. The ministry regards these claims as false on its official Telegram channel.

The ministry stressed that Russian Armed Forces are engaged in missions within the theater of special military operations, operating along the front with Ukrainian forces.

According to the Ministry of Defense, Russian forces conducted strikes on Ukrainian missile storage depots, and artillery hit an ammunition depot belonging to the Ukrainian armed forces in Avdiivka, Donetsk People’s Republic. These details are presented as part of routine battlefield reporting by the Russian military.

up to 20 years in prison

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Putin had been briefed on the situation surrounding Yevgeny Prigozhin. He added that necessary measures were being taken from the Kremlin side.

National Anti-Terrorism Committee sources indicate that the Federal Security Service has opened a criminal case following Prigozhin’s statements. The committee asserted that the allegations attributed to Prigozhin lack any basis.

The NAC noted that the FSB has filed a case related to incitement to armed insurrection, and it called on Prigozhin to halt any illegal actions immediately.

The FSB described Prigozhin’s remarks as a call for internal conflict and a betrayal against the Russian armed forces. The agency urged Wagner’s fighters to disobey such orders and to arrest Prigozhin if necessary.

In a statement quoted by Interfax, the FSB urged Wagner troops not to repeat what could be an irreparable mistake and to stop coercive actions against the public and to resist orders that could lead to bloodshed.

On the official Telegram channel of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Investigative Department of the FSB reportedly filed a lawsuit against the Wagner PMC head. The case, classified under Article 279 of the Criminal Code, relates to armed rebellion and carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years and at least 12 years in prison.

General Sergei Surovikin released a video message urging the Wagner group to cease actions, warning that the country is watching a fragile political moment. He called for laying down weapons and returning to deployment locations, urging resolution under stable leadership.

Another message was issued by military commander Alexander Kots, transmitted by the first deputy head of the GRU, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseev, addressing the Wagnerians directly.

Aleksandr Alekseev warned that current moves could invite significant losses and provoke international scrutiny, particularly in Western capitals. He urged restraint and reminded listeners of the broader consequences for the nation.

Prigozhin’s remarks

On the evening of June 23, a voicemail surfaced on the Telegram channel of Wagner’s founder’s press service. Prigozhin accused the highest levels of the Russian Defense Ministry of carrying out rocket strikes from helicopters against PMC fighters in rear camps, claiming many comrades were killed. He promised retaliation.

Prigozhin later warned that thousands would learn the truth about the chaos he described, signaling a potential mass response. He did not detail the exact nature of the actions he would take.

In mid-January 2023, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that media reports about friction between the Defense Ministry and Prigozhin were sometimes fairly described as information manipulation by opponents, and at times reflections by their own side. The discussions, he suggested, did not point to a clear external threat but reflected internal disagreements.

On June 13, President Putin indicated that Wagner fighters and other voluntary formations should sign contracts with the Defense Ministry. He suggested legislative changes to grant legal status to these groups under state oversight.

On June 10, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered voluntary detachments to sign contracts with the defense ministry by July 1, 2023. By June 22, about 20 entities had signed such agreements, though Wagner PMC reportedly had not.