Biden denies involvement in Wagner Mutiny.

The United States and its Allies Deny Involvement in Russian Mutiny

In a recent statement, President Joe Biden made it clear that the United States and its allies had no part in the mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the private Russian army known as the Wagner Group. The incident took place in Russia on June 23–24.

During a White House address on June 26, President Biden emphasized that he had been in constant communication with U.S. allies to prepare for various outcomes. He stated, “We had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse to blame this on the West or NATO. We made it clear that we were not involved.”

This statement from President Biden is significant considering his previous accusations against Russian President Vladimir Putin. In March 2022, Biden declared, “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power,” referring to Putin and what he called “Putin’s illegal war.”

While a White House official downplayed Biden’s remark at the time, Biden later reiterated his stance during the anniversary commemoration of the Ukraine invasion in February 2023. He stated, “President Putin chose this war. Every day the war continues is his choice.”

Putin has defended the “special military operation” in Ukraine as a means to protect Russian-speaking individuals in the eastern part of the country. He has also accused the West of provoking Russia through NATO expansion and arming Ukraine.

The Mutiny and its Aftermath

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner Group has played a significant role in the Russian war on Ukraine, especially as regular Russian troops faced increasing losses. Prigozhin, once an ally of Putin, grew critical of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

According to Prigozhin, on June 24, the two senior leaders launched an intentional attack on Wagner troops, resulting in the death of approximately 30 fighters. In response, Prigozhin led his troops out of Ukraine and seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, a crucial military hub.

Putin condemned Prigozhin as a traitor and vowed to suppress the rebellion. Within a day, the Wagner force advanced north towards Moscow, coming within 125 miles of the city. During their advance, Wagner forces shot down multiple military helicopters and a communications plane, resulting in at least 15 casualties, as reported by Russian media.

Despite the challenge to Putin’s leadership, which had already been weakened by losses in Ukraine, the Russian leader swiftly agreed to terms for ending the incident. Prigozhin was allowed to leave the country and retire to Belarus, while the Wagner fighters returned to their bases without facing punishment for their involvement in the mutiny.

It is estimated that up to 80 percent of the Wagner force consists of felons recruited from Russian prisons, offered commutation of their sentences in exchange for fighting in Ukraine. The Wagner Group is believed to have participated in other military operations on behalf of Russia in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and Mali.

Current Situation

Although the mutiny has ended, the situation in Russia remains uncertain, according to John Kirby, Coordinator…