Russian rebellion explainer: Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? What is the Wagner Group? How is Putin dealing with mercenary uprising?



Russian leader Vladimir Putin has vowed to enact harsh punishment against a Russian mercenary group that recently launched a rebellion. Yevgeny Prigozhin is leading the Wagner Group, composed of private Russian mercenaries, on a "march of justice" toward the country's capital of Moscow.

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin and what is the Wagner Group?

Yevgeny Prigozhin was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Early in his life, he was a convict and owned a hot dog stand, but later branched out to operate fancy restaurants.

ABC News reported:

In 2010, Putin helped open Prigozhin’s factory that was built on generous loans by a state bank. In Moscow alone, his company Concord won millions of dollars in contracts to provide meals at public schools. He also organized catering for Kremlin events for several years — earning him the nickname “Putin’s chef” — and has provided catering and utility services to the Russian military."

In 2014, Prigozhin became the leader of the Wagner Group, a private military company that participated in Russia's annexation of Crimea.

PMC Wagner had been fighting alongside Russian military forces in the invasion of Ukraine. Last year, the Kremlin-backed Wagner group attempted to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to The Times.

According to the Associated Press, "The Wagner forces have played a crucial role in Russia’s war in Ukraine, succeeding in taking the city where the bloodiest and longest battles have taken place, Bakhmut. But Prigozhin has increasingly criticized Russia’s military brass, accusing it of incompetence and of starving his troops of weapons and ammunition."

Prigozhin, 61, said he transitioned from a Putin ally to staging a serious rebellion because of an alleged Russian attack on Wagner forces in Ukraine.

Prigozhin claimed that Russia's chief of the General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, ordered airstrikes on Wagner’s convoys, which were driving alongside ordinary vehicles. He asserted that the attack killed "a huge number of our comrades." Prigozhin alleged that Gerasimov made the order after a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied attacking Wagner troops.

Prigozhin, who claimed to have 25,000 troops under his command, said the Wagner Group would punish Shoigu in an armed rebellion and possible civil war.

"All of us are ready to die. All 25,000, and then another 25,000," Prigozhin declared.

Wagner Group chief accuses Russian army of attacking Wagner forces www.youtube.com

Where is the Wagner Group now?

Prigozhin marched his Wagner PMC soldiers from Ukraine back to Russia this week. Wagner troops entered Rostov-on-Don – Russia's ninth-most populated city with more than 1 million residents. Rostov-on-Don is home to the Russian military headquarters for the southern region and also oversees the war in Ukraine.

He asserted that he easily breached checkpoints in the city.

Prigozhin claimed the Wagner Group had seized control of a Russian military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don "without a single gunshot." He added that his private military group fighters had taken control of the airfield and other military facilities in the city.

"We didn’t kill a single person on our way," Prigozhin said on Friday. "But we will destroy anyone who stands in our way. We are moving forward and will go until the end."

He said of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "The war was needed for a bunch of scumbags to triumph and show how strong of an army they are."

"We do not want the country to live on in corruption, deceit, and bureaucracy," he said.

Prigozhin has openly chastised Russia's military leadership, and has disputed how successful the invasion of Ukraine has been.

"The evil embodied by the country’s military leadership must be stopped," the PMC Wagner leader declared.

PMC Wagner military equipment was "moving across" the Lipetsk region, Governor Igor Artamonov said via Telegram on Saturday. The region is 250 miles south of Moscow, signaling that the Russian private paramilitary organization could be headed to the Russian capital.

Wagner Rebellion: What's happening in Russia? www.youtube.com

How is Vladimir Putin dealing with the mercenary uprising?

Vladimir Putin pledged to punish the mutineers and crush the rebellion – which is arguably the most serious threat to his hold on power since he took power in Russia 23 years ago.

"All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment," Putin proclaimed in a speech to the nation. "The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders."

Putin called the rebellion a "stab in the back."

He said the uprising arrives at a time when Russia is "fighting the toughest battle for its future," adding, "The entire military, economic, and information machine of the West is waged against us."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "All the necessary measures were being taken."

Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, has demanded that Prigozhin be arrested by his contract soldiers. The FSB also instructed the Wagner Group troops to refuse to follow his "criminal and treacherous orders" and halt the potential coup.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee has charged Prigozhin with calling for an armed rebellion – which carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

A counterterrorism state of emergency has been declared in Moscow.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced on Saturday morning, "In order to prevent possible terrorist attacks in the city and Moscow region, a regime of counterterrorism operations has been established."

Putin issues blunt warning to Wagner group www.youtube.com

How has the U.S. responded to the Russian rebellion?

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held an emergency call on Saturday morning with G7 and European Union officials regarding the developments in Russia.

"The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop," Blinken wrote on Twitter.

U.S. National Security Council Adam Hodge said, "We are monitoring the situation and will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said of the rebellion, "Anyone who chooses the path of evil destroys himself."

"For a long time, Russia used propaganda to mask its weakness and the stupidity of its government. And now there is so much chaos that no lie can hide it," Zelensky said. "Russia’s weakness is obvious. Full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our land, the more chaos, pain and problems it will have for itself later."

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Tensions mount in Russia as notorious Wagner group seizes military headquarters www.youtube.com

Glenn: Why I think WAR with China by 2025 is ‘DONE DEAL’



China has announced that it is now a special partner with Russia and that change is coming.

Xi Jinping said, “Change is coming that hasn’t happened in over a hundred years, and we will drive this change together.”

Not only was Xi throwing out threats, but Putin was as well. He said Russia will have to respond accordingly to the U.S. and Britain sending tanks to Ukraine.

Obviously, this is great news for all of us who aren’t thrilled about the prospect of China and Russia against the rest of the world.

But it’s not just Russia and China. Australia has also said it will not promise to side with the United States if China goes into Taiwan.

Based on all of this information, Glenn makes a prediction. He says, “China, I believe, before 2025, before the next president is sworn in, you will have a digital currency.”

He continues, “I hope I’m wrong on all of these things. You’ll have a digital currency. China will be in Taiwan, and we'll be tied up in a major war. I think that is a done deal, because why wouldn’t you, if you were China?”

America is more divided than ever, our banking system is failing, the entire West is just waiting for a complete collapse.

Gretchen Whitmer is funneling $715 million in taxpayer dollars to Goiton, a Chinese company that has just bought 700 acres of property near Big Rapids, Michigan. The company’s bylaws are in accordance with the constitution of the Communist Party of China.

Its corporate document also states that the company’s party committee “shall strengthen the construction of party organization and party members at the grassroots level and oversee growing the communist youth league.”

Glenn continues, “At what point do we have the balls to say 'I think they’re playing for the other team'? Just hard to believe all of these things could be mistakes.”


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Did the US just get closer to the Russia, Ukraine war?

Did the US just get closer to the Russia, Ukraine war?

THIS woman’s death may cause Putin, Russia to ESCALATE SOON

THIS woman’s death may cause Putin, Russia to ESCALATE SOON

Are China & Russia WARNING us that the dollar may COLLAPSE?

Are China & Russia WARNING us that the dollar may COLLAPSE?

Zelenskyy rejects the possibility of a Ukrainian ceasefire despite Putin's openness as grain supply issues threaten global food shortages



This weekend, the leaders of France and Germany pleaded with Russian President Vladimir Putin for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine to no avail as Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy each refused to make concessions to their counterparts and end the fighting in the eastern regions of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pleaded with Putin to begin “serious direct negotiations” with Zelenskyy to reach a “diplomatic solution to the conflict,” the New York Post reported.

In response, Putin said that the West is complicit in perpetuating the violence because of its “dangerous” efforts to supply Ukraine with munitions, military equipment, and financial support. Putin warned Macron and Scholz that the West’s continued support for Ukraine risks “aggravation of the humanitarian crisis.”

Scholz and Macron also sought the release of 2,500 prisoners of war captured by Russian forces and an end to the Russian blockade of the port of Odessa. Ending the blockade of this port is crucial to normalizing global agricultural supply chains as it normally handles millions of tons of grain each year.

Despite Putin’s insistence of “the openness of the Russian side to the resumption of dialogue” with Ukraine, the Russian president moved forward with efforts to expand the size of his military and signed new legislation that will eliminate the upper age limit of the men recruited by the Russian military.

The new law passed the Russian Duma on Wednesday and will allow Russian citizens over the age of 40 to enlist. It also removes restrictions that previously limited the Kremlin’s hiring of foreign mercenary fighters.

Zelenskyy, who spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently, said that the ongoing invasion of Ukraine could cause a global food crisis.

Zelenskyy said, “We must work together to prevent a food crisis and unblock [Ukrainian] ports.”

Nearly 22 million tons of grains are stranded in Ukraine as Russian forces continue to blockade Odessa and other ports, Zelenskyy confirmed.

As fighting continues in the Donbas region of Ukraine, where Russia has claimed victory over Ukrainian cities and continues to advance forces throughout the region, Zelenskyy refused to accept any possible ceasefire that would forefit lands previsouly belonging to Ukraine. Echoing previous statements, Zelenskyy promised that Donbas would be “Ukrainian again.”

Zelenskyy said, “We have to increase our defense, increase our resistance, and Donbas will be Ukrainian again. Even if Russia will bring all suffering and ruination to Donbas, we will rebuild every town, every community. There’s no real alternative.”

First lady Jill Biden made a surprise Mother's Day visit to Ukraine, White House confirms there are no plans for Joe to travel to Kyiv



First lady Jill Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine this Sunday marking a rare solo as the spouse of a sitting president to visit an active war zone.

Fox News reported that the first lady entered Ukraine by crossing the border from Slovakia on Sunday morning after visiting with Ukrainian refugees at a processing center. Reportedly, she met with Ukrainian first lady Olen Zelenska. The Ukrainian first lady has not been seen in public since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mrs. Biden said, “I wanted to come on Mother’s Day. I thought it was important to show the Ukrainian people that this war has to stop and this war has been brutal and that the people of the United States stand with the people of Ukraine.”

Zelenska praised her American counterpart for making a “courageous trip” which reportedly occurred as an impromptu stop on the U.S. first lady’s four-day trip to Eastern Europe without her husband.

The first ladies met in a small classroom in front of reporters before holding a private meeting. Zelenska and her children have reportedly remained in an undisclosed location due to safety concerns as Russian officials made it an early priority of their invasion to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and members of his family.

The two women later joined a group of children who live at the school where they met in making tissue-paper bears to give as Mother’s Day gifts.

The first lady’s visit to Ukraine marks the third high profile meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

In late April U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Zelenskyy to discuss the U.S. federal government’s role in providing the Ukrainian military with more than $300 million in financing. And in early May, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi along with the Democratic U.S. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, Gregory Meeks of New York, and Adam Schiff of California met with Zelenskyy to show support for the Ukrainian government.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also visited Ukraine and held a private meeting with Zelenskyy in the country’s capital city of Kyiv.

President Joe Biden has yet to visit Ukraine or host Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy previously told CNN host Jake Tapper that he thought Biden ought t visit Ukraine because ‘’he is the leader of the United States, and that’s why he should come here to see.”

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, however, confirmed that there are no plans to send Biden to Ukraine.

She said, “No. No, we are not sending the president to Ukraine.”

These are the 3 ‘likely’ scenarios for Russia in Ukraine

These are the 3 ‘likely’ scenarios for Russia in Ukraine

China provides rhetorical cover for Russia and their 'new model of international relations'



In recent days, China has amped up its rhetorical support for Russia in a direct slight to the U.S. and other nations who had hoped that Beijing would opt to condemn Moscow for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, “An important takeaway from the success of China-Russia relations is that the two sides rise above the model of military and political alliance in the Cold War era.”

Zhao suggested that China and Russia are able to collaborate so effectively because the countries and their leadership “commit themselves to developing a new model of international relations.”

Bloomberg reported that Zhao made this statement during a briefing Friday in Beijing.

Zhao emphasized that the “model” relationship between China and Russia is predicated on the two countries’ hesitance to cause confrontation between other nations and respecting the sovereignty of other states.

He added that this relationship broke with the “Cold War mentality” displayed by countries allied with the U.S. through geographic blocs like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

President Joe Biden warned Chinese President Xi Jinping in March that there would be “implications and consequences” if the Chinese government provided any form of material support to their Russian counterparts over the invasion of Ukraine.

To date there has been no indication that China has supported the Russian invasion or helped the country skirt the Western sanctions that torpedoed its economy, but the Chinese government has provided “rhetorical support” for Russia by repeating its propaganda.

The Chinese government also repeatedly states that it will stand by the “no limits” relationship agreement that Presidents Putin and Xi agreed to at a private meeting between the two heads-of-staet before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

During this meeting, Xi and Putin agreed to support each other in their respective efforts to expand their borders to include the independent nations of Taiwan and Ukraine, respectively.

The very existence and basis of this dynamic calls into question the validity of claims recently made by Zhao that Russia and China avoid confrontation with other nations on the international stage.

The reality is that the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Chinese government’s blatant hostility towards Taiwan indicate that both nations are, in fact, dedicated to the military conquest of sovereign nations while meddling in their affairs.

Putin could ESCALATE Russian efforts against Ukraine SOON

Putin could ESCALATE Russian efforts against Ukraine SOON