Why Wagner Coup ACTUALLY Stopped before Moscow

Summary

The script narrates the rise and fall of an Afghani-Russian figure, Pagosian, who amassed wealth and power through military contracts and the Wagner mercenary group. After a failed rebellion against the Russian Ministry of Defense, suspected to be fueled by a desire for power and respect, he negotiated exile in Belarus. The account explores the complex relationship between Pagosian, Putin, and the Russian military, culminating in a dramatic standoff that questioned loyalty and authority within Russia's power structures.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Prigozhin grew up poor in Saint Petersburg and was in and out of prison until age 30.
• 🌭 After prison, Prigozhin started a successful chain of hot dog stands, then opened high-class restaurants.
• 🤝 Prigozhin's relationship with Putin began when Putin frequented one of his restaurants.
• 💼 Putin later awarded Prigozhin military contracts worth billions, making him wealthy and influential.
• 🎖️ Prigozhin founded the Wagner mercenary group in 2014, leveraging military connections.
• 🎥 In 2022, Prigozhin publicly recruited convicts for Wagner, increasing its numbers significantly.
• ⚔️ Wagner played a crucial role in the capture of Bakhmut during the Russia-Ukraine war.
• 🗣️ Prigozhin became a vocal critic of the Russian Ministry of Defense, accusing them of high treason.
• 🚛 On June 23, 2023, Prigozhin launched an armed rebellion, marching towards Moscow with Wagner forces.
• 🛑 The rebellion was halted within 120 miles of Moscow, and Prigozhin negotiated a deal for exile in Belarus.

Q & A

What was the initial occupation of the Afghani pagosian before he became involved with the Wagner mercenaries?

Afghani pagosian initially set up a successful chain of hot dog stands in Saint Petersburg, which later expanded to high-class restaurants in the city during the 1990s.

How did pagosian and Vladimir Putin likely meet and develop a relationship?

Vladimir Putin, who had recently quit the intelligence service to start a career in politics, took a liking to one of pagosian's restaurants called New Island, which is where the two likely met and hit it off.

What was the turning point for pagosian that led to him being thrust into the spotlight?

The turning point for pagosian was on February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, which brought him into the public eye.

Why did pagosian publicly record and release a video of him recruiting convicts from Russia's prisons?

Pogosian recorded and released the video in September 2022 to recruit tens of thousands of murderers and convicts for his storm units, promising them freedom if they survived a six-month contract.

What was the significance of pagosian's criticism of the Russian Ministry of Defense on October 1, 2022?

His criticism was significant because it was one of the first public breaks of Russian war censorship laws, openly criticizing the Russian Ministry of Defense and marking a turning point in his stance against the government.

Why did pagosian accuse the Russian Ministry of Defense of high treason in May 2023?

Pogosian accused the Ministry of high treason due to the lack of ammunition being supplied to Wagner forces, which he equated to a deliberate attempt to starve them of essential resources.

What was the Russian government's response to pagosian's public refusal to sign contracts with the proper Russian military?

The Russian government, authorized by Putin, ordered all volunteer detachments to sign contracts with the proper Russian military by a deadline, attempting to remove pagosian from his position of power quietly.

What evidence suggested that pagosian was preparing for an armed rebellion?

U.S intelligence networks observed signs of pagosian preparing and stockpiling equipment and materials for a rebellion, and unconfirmed reports indicated that the Russian government was preparing to arrest him for insubordination.

Why did pagosian's forces not receive the widespread support from regular Russian soldiers that he had hoped for?

Pogosian had overestimated his influence, and the support he needed did not materialize in the vast numbers he required. Additionally, the Russian government fought back by creating competing video messages and restricting internet access to reduce the reach of pagosian's messages.

What was the negotiated outcome for pagosian after the failed rebellion attempt?

Pogosian negotiated with Belarus President Lukashenko to reach an agreement where he would be given a pardon and allowed to live in exile in Belarus.

What were the implications of the failed rebellion for the Wagner forces and the Russian military?

The agreement stated that all Wagner forces would pull back and those who didn't join the rebellion would sign contracts with the Russian military and be absorbed into their forces. The ones that participated in the rebellion were given a pardon and would face no backlash.