Tensions have escalated dramatically between the Wagner mercenary group and the Russian Ministry of Defense, with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin accusing the ministry of launching a missile attack on his forces and vowing to respond. Prigozhin, via the Russian social media platform VKontakte (VK), asserted that multiple Wagner camps were targeted, resulting in significant casualties. He shared a video purportedly depicting the aftermath of the attack and promised to hold those responsible accountable.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied these allegations through a Telegram post, labeling them as "false" and an "informational provocation." They affirmed their continued combat operations against Ukrainian forces. The Kremlin confirmed President Putin's awareness of the situation and assured that necessary measures are being taken. Rebekah Koffler, a former DIA intelligence officer, noted the seriousness of Prigozhin's actions, suggesting he has "crossed the line" by calling for a military rebellion, leading to an FSB investigation.

The FSB has urged Wagner troops to ignore Prigozhin's orders and detain him. This follows Prigozhin's public criticism of the Kremlin's portrayal of the war in Ukraine, accusing officials of misleading the Russian public and ceding territory to Ukrainian forces. While he didn't specify the locations of these territorial losses, his comments coincided with Ukrainian claims of advancements in the strategically important Zaporizhzhia region, claims supported by a Russian official in the area.