The phrase "Putin gave troops to Prigozhinās sworn enemy" likely refers to the pivotal June 2023 decision where Vladimir Putin ordered the to be subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) . This move effectively handed control of Yevgeny Prigozhin's private army over to his bitter rivals, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov . š”ļø The Context of the Conflict
: Wagner forces seized the military hub in Rostov-on-Don and launched a "March for Justice" toward Moscow.
: Prigozhin frequently accused the MoD of "shell hunger" (withholding ammunition) and sabotaging Wagner forces to undermine their successes. putin_viddav_viiska_zaklyatomu_vorogu_prigozina...
The breaking point occurred on June 13, 2023, when Putin publicly sided with the MoD.
: For months, Putin allowed the infighting to continue, using Prigozhin as a counterweight to prevent the regular military generals from gaining too much political popularity. š The June 13 Decree The phrase "Putin gave troops to Prigozhinās sworn
The decision to force Wagner into the MoD's structure led to a rapid chain of events:
: Prigozhin refused to sign, stating, "Wagner will not sign any contracts with Shoigu ." This defiance directly triggered the Wagner Group rebellion on June 23ā24, 2023. ā” Consequences of the Handover : Prigozhin frequently accused the MoD of "shell
: Putin affirmed that all "volunteer detachments" (including Wagner) must sign formal contracts with the Ministry of Defense.