A senior Russian military official addressed fighters affiliated with the Wagner private military company, framing the message as a warning to those who have carried out operations since the organization’s early days. The address was disseminated via a telegraph channel associated with a prominent military journalist, and its contents emphasize ongoing cooperation between Russian forces and Wagner personnel while also signaling growing concern over recent actions.
In the statements, the official affirmed long-standing collaboration with Wagner fighters and expressed respect for many individuals within the group who are serving Russia’s interests. Yet the speaker stressed a troubling development that, in his view, demands urgent reflection. He urged the Wagner leadership and combatants to reconsider their course, noting that the Armed Forces would not be deployed against their own people. He warned that the country remains on edge and that any move toward internal conflict would have serious consequences for national unity and stability.
The speaker described Russia as currently facing a highly challenging strategic moment, contending that Western powers are aligned against the nation. He argued that the actions undertaken by Wagner, under a provocative premise, could inflict substantial political damage and create broader instability both domestically and internationally.
Meanwhile, other voices from the defense establishment suggested a need for restraint and clarity. A former high-ranking officer who previously led troops urged Wagner fighters to consider the long-term implications of their choices. In late June, a message from a high-ranking official, identifying himself as the founder of Wagner, was addressed to the group through official channels. He claimed that reports of a military assault on Wagner’s rear facilities produced on social media did not reflect reality and described such posts as informational provocations. The presidency’s spokesperson acknowledged that the situation is under close observation, while a national counter-terrorism body indicated it had initiated a legal action connected to alleged incitement to military rebellion. [Attribution: Ministry of Defense statements; Presidential Administration briefings; National Counter-Terrorism Committee communications]