[1/5] In the early hours of 24 June 2023, the feud between Yevgeny Prigozhinβs Wagner Group and the Russian MoD escalated into outright military confrontation.
[2/5] In an operation characterised by Prigozhin as a βmarch for freedomβ, Wagner Group forces crossed from occupied Ukraine into Russia in at least two locations.
[3/5] In Rostov-on-Don, Wagner has almost certainly occupied key security sites, including the HQ which runs Russiaβs military operations in Ukraine.
[4/5] Further Wagner units are moving north through Vorenezh Oblast, almost certainly aiming to get to Moscow. With very limited evidence of fighting between Wagner and Russian security forces, some have likely remained passive, acquiescing to Wagner.
[5/5] Over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russiaβs security forces, and especially the Russian National Guard, will be key to how the crisis plays out. This represents the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times.
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(1/4) Since summer 2022, the Russian Navy has invested in major enhancements to the security of the Black Sea Fleetβs main base at Sevastopol.
(2/4) This includes at least four layers of nets and booms across the harbour entrance. In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals.
(1/4) On 20 June 2023, Russiaβs Duma voted to create a parliamentary committee to investigate alleged crimes committed by the Ukrainian government against juveniles in the Donbas since 2014.
(2/4) The Duma is almost certainly responding to the international condemnation of Russiaβs deportation of children from occupied Ukraine since its full-scale invasion.
(1/3) Over the last ten days, Russia has highly likely started relocating elements of its Dnipro Group of Forces (DGF) from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to reinforce the Zaporizhzhia and Bakhmut sectors.
(2/3) This potentially involves several thousand troops from the 49th Army, including its 34th Separate Motorised Brigade, as well as Airborne Forces (VDV) and Naval Infantry units.
(1/3) In recent days, heavy fighting has continued, with the most intense combat focused in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, western Donetsk Oblast, and around Bakhmut.
(2/3) In all these areas, Ukraine continues to pursue offensive operations and has made small advances.