Summary of statements and events following the Wagner incident
An official from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eli Cohen, discussed how the Wagner private military company’s rebellion has reshaped regional dynamics. He noted that Moscow and St. Petersburg will see a greater Israeli diplomatic presence, including an expanded roster of consular staff. The news outlet Israel Times reported these details. Cohen indicated that Jerusalem is prepared to respond to any scenario that unfolds in the near term.
Reports circulated that Israel’s foreign affairs apparatus plans to deploy additional consuls to Moscow and St. Petersburg to strengthen its presence in Russia. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly estimated that approximately 70,000 Israelis reside in Russia, with around 500,000 Jews and eligible returnees in the broader population. Israel maintains emergency return centers for those seeking to repatriate when safety or political conditions require it. The government has signaled that it would mobilize responses should the numbers of returning citizens rise.
Earlier in the day on June 24, Wagner PMC forces moved into Rostov-on-Don, and visual coverage showed military vehicles and Wagner personnel in the city streets. In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion, describing it as backstabbing and a threat to national unity. He warned that those who consciously pursue treason would face consequences. The Russian Defense Ministry later stated that claims of an attack on Wagner troops by the ministry’s forces were false and that such reports were an informational provocation circulating on social networks.
In the aftermath, officials behind Russia’s counter-terrorism framework stated that a legal action would be pursued against those who incited the rebellion, emphasizing the seriousness with which the state treats attempts to destabilize public order. The unfolding sequence of statements and counter-statements underscores the volatility surrounding the Wagner event and the way it has compelled neighboring governments and security services to reassess their own positions and responses. The situation continues to develop as authorities assess implications for regional security and international diplomacy.