A year ago, Yevgeny Prigozhin, once a close associate of Putin and founder of the Wagner Group, attempted a coup that quickly faltered. The Russian military and security forces, passive during the incident, signaled a lack of loyalty to Putin.
Recently, Georgy Zakrevsky, another leader of a private military company, made headlines by sharply criticizing Putin, referring to him as “Great” in a dismissive manner. Zakrevsky’s comments suggest a shift in sentiment among Russia’s military elite.
Zakrevsky’s sharp rebuke of Putin marks rising instability within Russia’s ruling class
Zakrevsky, 53, is far from a liberal reformer. His background includes service in the KGB, the Soviet army, and involvement in clandestine activities before establishing Paladin, his own mercenary firm. Paladin, described as a formidable entity on its own website, has operated in conflict zones like Congo, Lebanon, and Ecuador, boasting over 250 mercenaries.
Despite Zakrevsky’s own harsh credentials, his public criticism of Putin is noteworthy. Historically, such figures would have been natural allies with the Russian leader. Zakrevsky’s remarks indicate a broader dissatisfaction with Putin’s governance.
In a recent outburst, Zakrevsky condemned Putin’s handling of the country, accusing him of leading Russia into severe trouble. He criticized the government’s failures and the dire state of the nation’s military and economy. His call to action for military personnel and civilians reflects a deep frustration and potential desire for change.
Zakrevsky’s appeal, widely circulated among Russia’s elites, cannot be ignored. Like Prigozhin’s discontent, Zakrevsky’s criticism highlights growing instability within Russia’s ruling class. While his political inclinations may align with Putin’s, his dissent signifies internal chaos and potential shifts in Russia’s focus, potentially affecting its involvement in Ukraine and domestic stability.
