Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's foreign intelligence, confirmed having a telephone conversation with CIA chief William Burns, where they discussed the brief mutiny of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, and potential actions regarding Ukraine. The CIA has yet to comment on Naryshkin's statement, which he made during an interview with Russia's TASS news agency.
The reported conversation follows a period of internal strife in Russia, triggered by an armed uprising led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group. The crisis was defused when an agreement was reached between the rebels and the Kremlin, leading to the cessation of the rebellion.
Leading publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported on June 30 that Burns initiated the call with Naryshkin to assert the U.S.'s non-involvement in the Wagner uprising. Naryshkin told The Moscow Times that the main focus of their dialogue was Ukraine-related concerns.
This rebellion occurred after the Wagner Group, led by Prigozhin, revolted against Russia's top military leadership on June 23. However, their planned march on Moscow was quickly halted, reflecting the escalating tension between Russia's military command and the mercenary group.
Prigozhin's forces have been integral to the Russian campaign in Eastern Ukraine, accusing Russian authorities of withholding ammunition support. Prigozhin alleged Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu committed "treason" by potentially setting them up to shoulder blame for Russia's potential defeat in the Ukrainian war.
Prigozhin, in a video shared on the Wagner Orchestra Telegram channel, contended that a retreat would tarnish their historical record, potentially marking them as key contributors to Russia's loss. Furthermore, he implicated Russian generals in the extensive Russian casualties since the onset of the Ukrainian invasion.
Justifying the mutiny, Prigozhin asserted it was a bid to protect his mercenary unit and spotlight the shortcomings of Russia's military leadership, according to an AFP report. He insisted the act was intended to register protest, not topple the government. Several reports have since suggested that Prigozhin has been banished to Belarus.
The Wagner Group, a private military firm closely associated with Russia's defense ministry, was established by Putin's ally, Prigozhin. President Putin revealed that the group received extensive financial support from the Russian federal budget since Ukraine's invasion.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed credit for averting the Wagner mutiny and allegedly convinced Putin to spare Prigozhin's life. Given the mysterious deaths surrounding Putin's adversaries, Prigozhin's fate following his rebellion remains uncertain.
Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia 16 months ago, thousands of innocent lives have been lost, with no foreseeable end to the brutal conflict. This has led to increased polarization, causing further suffering for the people caught in the crossfire.