The Wagner Group’s alleged coup could have profound effects on the war in Ukraine. This is what Professor Rob de Wijk says in a BNR extra broadcast. “It appears that he has occupied the headquarters of the South Russian troops,” De Wijk said.
In that case, it will immediately be able to disrupt the synchronization of the deployment of Russian troops in Ukraine. “No wonder he occupied exactly that headquarters, because he’s in fact in control,” explains De Wijk. “He Can determine what will happen in Ukraine.”
“Prigozhin can determine what will happen in Ukraine”
According to De Wijk, the Russian defensive structure is divided into a number of layers. The top tier is directly under General Gerasimov and are the commanding generals. “Gerasimov defines the overall strategy and the operational part is carried out from Rostov-on-Don,” continues De Wijk. “And they’re responsible for logistics and moving units around the theater.”
Plan
In other words, by seizing the headquarters, the Wagner Group gained de facto control over all Russian troops in Ukraine. “So anything that comes in can be cut off,” he says. “So it’s a smart move to occupy that headquarters.”
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But there is another reason, De Wijk knows. Part of the Russian National Guard is also stationed in Rostov. And that very guard will play a key role in the next few hours, he thinks. Especially since a state of emergency has been declared in Moscow and there is talk of a terrorist organization, according to De Wijk. “The FSB will play a big role in this, and one has to realize that the National Guard is also seen as Putin’s private army.”
340,000
Because with 340,000 employees, one can safely speak of an army when it comes to the elite unit, which was established in 2016. De Wijk: ‘It was created specifically for internal affairs. So the Wagner units do not encounter the Russian army on their way to Moscow, but the Russian National Guard.”
And this is important, thinks De Wijk. “Because if that National Guard says ‘look, Mr. Putin’, then it’s over for him.” De Wijk therefore calls it curious that the Wagner troops of the National Guard do not seem to put an inch in the way of Rostov. “One would expect that – especially given the detachment in Rostov – the National Guard would have been deployed like crazy to block everything,” he concludes. “And that didn’t happen.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
