Russian state media turns on Wagner with Putin trying to project strength after mutiny
Vladimir Putin is taking on more prominent public engagements in an attempt to "project strength" after the Wagner Group mutiny, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.
In the latest defence update on Twitter, the MOD also said Russian state media responded to the mutiny in "three phases".
"Outlets were almost certainly initially surprised by the mutiny and were not prepared; Russian TV maintained its usual schedule," the MOD said.
"After the insurrection was defused, Russian state outlets sought to 'correct' claims that security forces had been passive.
"Narratives promoted the idea that President Vladimir Putin had triumphed by thwarting the insurrection, while avoiding bloodshed, and sought to unite the country behind the president.
"Nearly a week later, the state started to play down the significance of Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin and the mutiny, while tarnishing his character.
"Wagner Telegram channels have largely gone silent, almost certainly due to state intervention.
"By contrast, Putin has undertaken unusually prominent public engagements, almost certainly aiming to project strength."
The Wagner Group is a mercenary group with close ties to the Russian military group.
They have also appeared in Syria and a number of African countries, as well as having been accused of war crimes and abusing human rights.
UK defence officials described the mutiny as "the most significant challenge" to the Kremlin in recent times.
The mutiny, which came after months of tension between the group's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and the Kremlin, culminated in Wagner marching on Moscow but stopping short of a possible confrontation with Russian forces.
The leader of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, had vowed to topple Moscow's military leadership.
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