US pledges to maintain close alliance coordination amid ongoing Russian military rebellion.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken Engages with Allies Amidst Russian Mercenary Rebellion

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently held discussions with foreign ministers from several United States allies, addressing the ongoing military rebellion in Russia led by Wagner mercenaries. This rebellion poses a significant threat to the country’s offensive in the Ukrainian war.

Blinken engaged in conversations with leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom on Saturday morning, focusing on the evolving situation in Russia. These discussions took place just one day after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the mercenaries, led his troops out of Ukraine and into a crucial city south of Moscow. This move represents the most substantial challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s leadership in over two decades.

Secretary Blinken Reaffirms United States Support for Ukraine

“Secretary Blinken reiterated that support by the United States for Ukraine will not change,” stated department spokesman Matthew Miller. “The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop.”

The rebellion was triggered by Prigozhin’s accusation that the Russian military had killed a significant number of his men. He issued a warning, vowing to “destroy” any resistance to their group.

Prigozhin’s Determination to Uncover the Truth

“There are 25,000 of us, and we are going to find out why there is such chaos in the country,” declared Prigozhin.

Following this declaration, the group of mercenaries marched to Rostov-on-Don, with Prigozhin releasing a video stating their intention to blockade the area until Russia’s top military generals met with them.

The Wagner forces played a crucial role in the Russian offensive during the Ukrainian war, particularly in capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut, where the bloodiest and most protracted battles have taken place.

Prigozhin established Wagner to engage in battles not only in eastern Ukraine but also in various conflicts across the world involving Russia. However, he has increasingly criticized the Russian military, accusing it of incompetence and neglecting to provide sufficient munitions for his troops.

Putin drew parallels between the current rebellion and Russia’s own civil war in 1917, which erupted after the Bolsheviks overthrew Tsar Nicholas II during World War I. This event sparked internal conflict within the country and ultimately led to the formation of the Soviet Union.

Putin Reflects on Historical Parallels

“This was the same kind of blow that Russia felt in 1917 when the country entered World War I, but had victory stolen from it,” remarked Putin. “Intrigues, squabbles, politicking behind the backs of the army and the people turned out to be the greatest shock, the destruction of the army, the collapse of the state, the loss of vast territories, and in the end, the tragedy and civil war. Russians killed Russians, brothers killed brothers.”

As the situation continues to unfold, the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine and maintaining close coordination with its allies and partners.

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