Analysis of the Wagner Group's Coup Attempt in Russia

This white paper provides an analysis of the Wagner Group's attempted coup in Russia in June 2023, detailing the events surrounding the incident and its implications for Russian military and political dynamics. The document outlines the origins and activities of the Wagner Group, a private military company, and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's role in the coup attempt. It describes how Prigozhin mobilized over 25,000 mercenaries, accusing Russian military leadership of aggression against his forces. The paper also discusses the subsequent actions taken by the Russian government, including Prigozhin's agreement to relocate to Belarus and the fate of Wagner forces that remained in Russia. Furthermore, it examines the geopolitical implications of the coup attempt, particularly concerning Vladimir Putin's leadership and the effectiveness of the Russian military. The analysis highlights the potential impacts on Russia's influence in Africa and the Middle East, as well as the broader international response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.