Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made a rare public appearance on state television on June 25, 2023. This was his first public appearance since reports of a mutiny among Wagner Group mercenaries in Ukraine.
In the video, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu was seen meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials. They were discussing the war in Ukraine. However, Shoigu did not mention the Wagner Group mutiny or any other recent developments in the war.
The Russian Defense Ministry released the video of Shoigu’s appearance. The reason for Shoigu’s prolonged absence from public view remains unclear. Some analysts speculate that he may have been sidelined due to the Wagner Group mutiny or other issues with the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
The Wagner Group is a Russian private military company involved in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Libya. Recent reports have surfaced about a mutiny among Wagner Group mercenaries in Ukraine. The mutineers refused to fight and demanded evacuation from the country.
The Wagner Group mutiny highlights the challenges faced by the Russian military in Ukraine. The Russian military has experienced significant losses in the war, and morale is reportedly low. The mutiny further indicates that the Russian military is struggling to achieve its objectives in Ukraine.
The long-term implications of Shoigu’s public appearance remain unclear. However, it is likely that the Wagner Group mutiny and other recent problems within the Russian military will significantly impact Shoigu’s position as Defense Minister.
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