Military coup in Russia

Interesting times. As others have said, the outcome will depend on just how loyal to Putin the bulk of Russian forces remain. Based on the large number of casualties they have suffered, on poor leadership and on inadequate training and equipment, it doesn't necessarily look good for Vlad. They have also been heavily dependent on the Wagner group for what little military success they have had. Take that out of the equation, and the ability to resist the Ukrainian counter-offensive could crumble. They will be very happy in Kiev today, and good luck to them.

Unfortunately from what I read this guy is even worse than Putin so it may be bye bye Putin and hello ‘God help the world’

Early days. And no doubt a good deal of misinformation on all sides.

It won’t end well I fear. Russian soldier types will not be the best as leaders. Get the fallout shelters ready…

I can only hope that Russia spends the next few years sorting themselves out and leaves other countries alone. Very difficult times for diplomacy to try to get international relationships in an even keel.
Just hope Ukraine can rest and recover.

BlueBelle

Unfortunately from what I read this guy is even worse than Putin so it may be bye bye Putin and hello ‘God help the world’

Yes, as I said earlier is it a case of better the devil you know?
What are the aims of the Wagner Group?

Much as I'd like to see Putin get his comeuppance, it is an even more worrying time.

If there is a coup (a big if) it's not going to be good news for anyone. Prigozhin replacing Putin will not be an improvement.

Either way, not much prospect of Russia sorting themselves out and leaving other countries alone

Callistemon21

Much as I'd like to see Putin get his comeuppance, it is an even more worrying time.

I agree Callistemon21 out of the frying pan I think. The Wagner group seem very unpredictable, not a good thing where nuclear weaponry could be involved.
I wish I knew of a reliable unbiased news source to keep us updated.

I'm just reading tweets from the front line. Photos/videos and flight plans being shared on Twitter. Very immediate.

Pjotr Sauer on Twitter, he covers Russia & Ukraine for The Guardian

He has photos of the current situation in Moscow and footage of The Wagner Group and their progress

Thanks. Am now following him too.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yevgeny_Prigozhin

Being updated constantly.

Yes but who by?!

Callistemon21

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yevgeny_Prigozhin

Being updated constantly.

I have been scouring news outlets and several Russian Experts are of the opinion that Prigozhin has allies high up in the Russian Secret Service and Parliament, which would make sense.

Callistemon21

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yevgeny_Prigozhin

Being updated constantly.

Not sure who wrote it and is updating the Wiki page but it says:

Prigozhin had long denied his role in Russian interference in U.S. elections. In November 2022, however, he admitted his role in such operations, saying they would continue.[14] In February 2023, he stated he was the founder and long-time manager of the Internet Research Agency, a Russian company accused of online propaganda operations.

Prigozhin, his companies, and associates face economic sanctions and criminal charges in the United States,[8] and in the United Kingdom he remains a designated person under sanctions.[15] The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of Prigozhin.[16][17] In October 2020, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions against Yevgeny Prigozhin in connection with his financing of the activities of Wagner Group in Libya. In April 2022, new sanctions were imposed on him by the EU because of his role in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.[18]

Aveline

Yes but who by?!

Sorry, should have quoted Aveline's post.

It is all frightening the 'bejesus' out of me

It all boils down to will the military in Moscow defend or cross the road and join The Wagner militia…

Visegrad24 on Twitter is followed by a fair few Conservative Politicians (past and present)

Constantly updating

It’s been reported that people in Moscow are very frightened. I’m not surprised if it’s true, but given what they’ve done to the Ukrainians over the last year, I find it difficult to feel sympathy.

maddyone

It’s been reported that people in Moscow are very frightened. I’m not surprised if it’s true, but given what they’ve done to the Ukrainians over the last year, I find it difficult to feel sympathy.

I feel sympathetic to the people of Russia who have been force fed Putin’s propaganda for decades.

Apparently Belarus have stepped in and Progezhin has agreed to halt Warner’s March around Russia.

Yes, as I said earlier is it a case of better the devil you know ?
What are the aims of the Wagner Group ?

I don’t believe they have aims.
By definition mercenaries fight for whoever pays them best.
Putin was very unwise to put his faith (and presumably roubles) behind them. Two well known sayings come to mind
“He who lives by the sword dies by the sword “
And
“My enemy’s enemy is not necessarily my friend”

I don’t know if it’s good or bad that he’s halted. That probably means the onslaught on Ukraine will continue and to my mind that’s the worst thing. I feel desperately sorry for the Ukrainians, what they have suffered this last year is unimaginable for us.
I dislike Russia and all things Russian for this reason.
I loved visiting St Petersburg, twice, but I’m glad I’ve seen it, because as my husband says, we never want to give the Russians another penny of our money. I’ve always wanted to visit Kiev, and if this war ends, that’s where we’d like to visit and spend our money.