Putin forms secret private armies in Russia to protect himself from Wagner soldiers, report claims

Putin forms secret private armies in Russia to protect himself from Wagner soldiers, report claims

Putin Forms Private Militias to Protect Himself: A Look into Russia’s Security Measures

Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking bold steps to safeguard his position of power by creating a network of private military companies across Russia. These mysterious entities, referred to as “special enterprises,” are aimed at countering sabotage, internal threats, and potential coups against the Russian leader. This move comes in response to the recent rebellion led by the Wagner Group, which exposed significant gaps in Putin’s defenses.

The establishment of these private militias is highlighted in a new bill that raises the draft age for the Russian military. Duma defense committee chairman Andrey Kartapolov stated that the move is a proactive measure to protect against internal threats and maintain national security. The Daily Beast initially reported on these amendments, shedding light on Putin’s efforts to fortify his position.

The mutiny by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, wherein they seized control of the city of Rostov-on-Don before advancing towards Moscow, served as a wake-up call for Putin. Despite not punishing the leader of the rebellion, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin has initiated a search for suspected traitors within the Russian military. This suggests that he is preemptively preparing for future internal threats that could jeopardize his power.

According to reports, Putin’s private militias would operate under the command of regional governors, acting at Putin’s behest and armed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The units’ responsibilities would encompass protecting the state border, combating illegal armed groups, foreign sabotage, intelligence formations, and quashing internal threats. The exact interaction and coordination between these militias and other branches of the military and intelligence apparatus remain unclear, considering Russia’s existing national guard and layers of security protecting Putin.

Insider insights shed light on the intentions behind Putin’s private militias. Nikolai Sokov, a former Kremlin official, emphasized that they serve as a tool to enhance security and protect against potential mutinies or clandestine actions by Ukrainian military intelligence. Additionally, the militias have a crucial role in defending against internal attacks following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian cities.

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Putin’s grip on power has faced challenges, particularly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Further setbacks in this endeavor could potentially undermine his position, leading to his removal from power. Thus, the formation of private militias is a strategic move to consolidate control and counter any future threats to Putin’s rule.

Overall, Putin’s decision to establish private militias highlights his proactive approach towards preserving his power and addressing vulnerabilities in his security apparatus. These developments have far-reaching implications for both domestic and international dynamics, shaping Russia’s defense strategies and Putin’s political future.

• President Vladimir Putin
• Wagner mutiny