On June 25, recruitment centers operated by Wagner PMC in Astrakhan and Voronezh continued to function, according to reports from RTVI. In Voronezh, observers noted that the center had been closed the previous day but was now accepting people again, allowing new activity to proceed. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, access to recruitment sites appeared blocked or hindered, with recorded messages or ringing on unanswered lines indicating contact difficulties.
Earlier, on June 23, Wagner PMC chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that units of the Russian Defense Ministry had launched attacks on the private company’s rear camps, and that his fighters were advancing toward Russia in what he termed a “march for justice.” The Defense Ministry rejected those accusations, denying any offensive actions against Wagner forces.
The situation intensified on June 24 as Wagner personnel reportedly seized control of administrative buildings in Rostov-on-Don and began an advance toward Moscow. In response, President Vladimir Putin publicly characterized Prigozhin’s moves as betrayal and warned the PMC leadership of serious consequences. The clash was reported to have escalated on the evening of June 24. A settlement appeared to be reached with mediation from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who helped facilitate a resolution between the sides.
Throughout these developments, Russian authorities and international observers tracked the evolving dynamics between the state security apparatus and the paramilitary group. The events prompted questions about command authority, the stability of militia operations, and the potential impact on regional security in the days that followed. Analysts noted the rapid shifts in control of facilities and the difficulties in maintaining normal civilian services amid the conflicting movements. The broader implications for governance, regional stability, and the role of private military contractors in Russia were the subject of ongoing discussion among experts and policymakers beyond the immediate crisis. As the situation stabilized, attention turned to the mechanisms used to de-escalate tensions, restore routine administrative functions, and ensure that security provisions remained in place to safeguard communities and critical infrastructure across affected regions.