Russian Militia Leader Calls for Overthrow of Putin Amid Growing Military Failures

Russian Militia Leader Calls for Overthrow of Putin Amid Growing Military Failures

Georgy Zakrevsky, head of the Paladin Private Military Company (PMC), has publicly urged the Russian military to overthrow President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant challenge to the Kremlin’s authority since the Wagner mutiny. In a video message, Zakrevsky held Putin personally responsible for the Russian military’s setbacks in Ukraine, as well as the nation’s deepening economic and social crises.

Zakrevsky, who leads a 300-member militia group similar to the Wagner PMC, delivered a scathing critique of Putin’s leadership. He accused the Russian president of allowing the nation to fall into disarray, citing military failures, drone attacks on key cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, and the weakening of the Black Sea fleet. “Our country is not just on the brink of disaster; it is already in deep trouble,” Zakrevsky stated.

He further condemned Putin for the nation’s deteriorating social conditions, including widespread poverty and declining population. Zakrevsky’s bold statement has circulated widely within the Russian military, raising concerns of potential unrest.

This development follows last year’s Wagner mutiny, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, which posed a severe threat to Putin’s regime before being abruptly halted. Prigozhin later died in a plane crash, fueling speculation about the Kremlin’s involvement. Zakrevsky’s call to action coincides with recent Ukrainian gains on the battlefield, which have intensified pressure on the Russian military and Putin’s grip on power.