War correspondents highlighted the risk of manipulation that pushes observers to pick sides in the tense standoff involving the Russian Ministry of Defense and Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner PMC. The message underscored the need to avoid becoming pawns in a narrative that forces a choice between two camps, with the writer noting that Russian troops along the Orekhovsky front are repelling another assault from the enemy. The point was clear: the aim is not to serve Prigozin or any single actor, but to honor those who have fallen in defending the country, including the casualties around Shebekino and Donetsk. The emphasis remained on defeating the adversary and neutralizing enemy equipment from every direction.
On June 23, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that social media posts and videos attributed to Prigozhin, alleging an attack by the ministry on the rear camps of the Wagner PMC, do not reflect reality and constitute an informational provocation. The ministry urged the public to treat such claims with skepticism and to rely on official channels for accurate updates. [citation]
Press briefings from the Kremlin indicated that Vladimir Putin has been kept informed about the developments surrounding Prigozhin. Officials conveyed that the situation is being monitored at the highest levels, and decisions are being coordinated to maintain security and strategic stability. [citation]
In response to Prigozhin’s remarks, the National Counter-Terrorism Committee announced steps taken to address activities that could incite military rebellion. A formal inquiry was opened to assess allegations of incendiary statements and actions that threaten public order and cohesion. [citation]