Military coup in Russia

The BBC News is not reporting a coup. It says a big military presence in Moscow Security in Russia was tightened, the internet was restricted and military trucks were spotted on Moscow streets and Wagner and his associates have taken over Rostov-on-Don.

Rostov-on-Don is a city in Russia close to Ukraine's eastern border, so this suggests a local difficulty in the place where Wagner already effectively rules the roost.

It does however show how Putin's standing and power is being eroded and the unrest he has tried to crush is growing.

However, a Wagner take-over is unlikely to be good for Russia, Ukraine or world peace. The man is a physically brutal bully, surrounded by others like him. Putin may be a dictator, but at least he and his associates have a veneer of civilisation.

Sky is reporting that Prigozyn (head of the Wagner Group) is accusing Putin of ordering the Russian Military to kill his men.

Putin is to make a statement later.

There does appear to be a growing rift between Wagner and Putin. Wagner reportedly incensed that Putin’s top commanders were lying to him about how badly this war is going. They’re probably terrified to say otherwise.

I’ve long wanted Putin got rid if but feared who could replace him

I don’t think that Putin is in any danger of being overthrown for the time being. The consummate politician - in a class of his own- unfortunately!

I know there are accusations from all sides of bias in the BBC, but I trust them over reporting on events like what is happening in Russia. They always make it clear what is rumour and what they can verify.

I don’t know what to think. I’ll have to see how events unfold. The end of Putin would be good news, but what will follow him?

I agree maddyone. The Wagner group are incredibly brutal and could make things even worse. I'm not sure that Putin will go under, much as I hope he would, as he's crafty. Someone said that he would go 'by a death of a thousand cuts." Sorry, I can't remember who said it. Perhaps this will be one of the cuts.

Not so sure that the end of Putin would be good news at this particular time. Who and what would follow? Remember Iraq! Hooray Sadam is overthrown, job done! We all know that not to be true and the catastrophe that followed. Could well be the same in Russia.

Jaberwok absolutely. It says something that people would prefer Putin rather than the alternative, doesn't it?

It’s quite terrifying that an individual with such a brutal outlook can become a leader in the modern world. That applies to both men of course. Then I think of the west and the political leaders we have and wonder how we ended up with them too. At least they aren’t actually brutal if a laughing stock.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

At least a new leader would open up the way to have a dialogue with Russia about Ukraine. Maybe the military are worried about the war crimes that they’re having to commit.

This has got Putin worried. If you unleash a feral dog on your enemy it's possible it may turn back and attack you. This is what is happening now.
I doubt there will be a coup but Putin is getting back some of what he has given.

Interesting times. Twitter posts from people in Moscow are interesting. Many private jets leaving. Oligarchs in the move? Putin is thought to have been flown out and so has Medvedev and his family. No resistance so far noted re onward march to Moscow. These are just posts from people on the ground.

But would a new leader open up the way for dialogue about Ukraine? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows what a new leader would do? Like Iraq there could be several new leaders causing more and more chaos, before a relatively stable one appears, we just can't tell. It is quite frightening especially for Ukraine.

I think the situation will be unpredictable and dangerous for a while. Meanwhile Moscow is having to prepare for invasion in the same way Ukrainian cities had to.

From what I’m listening to at the moment Russian forces have fired on the Wagner group. Very worrying situation and reportedly Cobra meeting being held later.

It was just a matter of time, someone very strong, with good leadership and a fearless following had to do it. The rats will be leaving the sinking ship now

As for the future? Hoping and praying for a good outcome for the world

Putin has left Moscow and his plan is plotted for St Petersburg. What a mess. I certainly hope that Cobra is meeting to discuss.

Putin's plane!

So Wagner half way to Moscow, and according to the BBC google maps are plotting movement onwards to Moscow.

I think the question is whether the Russian military are totally loyal to Putin.

That is questionable given the level of casualties the Russian military has suffered and the poor strategy together with poor training, equipment etc.

There were reports that initially the Russian troops had no idea that they were going to attack Ukraine.

Ukraine morale will rise sky high I would have thought.

So BBC reporting that Prigozhin is embedded with the Russian intelligence state.

That must worry Putin.