Prigozhin: Factions in the Kremlin Are Trying to Destroy the Russian Government

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of the Wagner paramilitary group, stated on Saturday, June 3, that factions within the Kremlin are attempting to create discord between him and Chechen forces, "seeking to destroy the government" of Russia. According to Reuters, Prigozhin mentioned that the differences between him and the Chechen forces fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine have been resolved, but the cause of these disputes were factions in the Kremlin, which he described as the "Kremlin towers." The Wagner commander noted that the conspiracy of these factions had escalated to the point that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, felt compelled to reprimand them during a Security Council meeting. He added that some members of the "Kremlin towers" have started "dangerous games." Prigozhin stated, "Dangerous games in the Kremlin towers have become commonplace, and they are simply destroying the Russian government." He asserted that any conflict between Wagner militants and Chechen militants led by Ramzan Kadyrov would be "bloody," but there is no doubt about which side would win. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner paramilitary group and a member of Vladimir Putin's broader circle, has gained significant notoriety during the 15-month war in Ukraine. His forces have led battles in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and other regions, but he has consistently clashed with the Russian army over tactics, logistical support, and other issues.