The capture of the city of Rostov by the Wagner groupImage Credit source: AFP
President Vladimir Putin has been in power in Russia for two decades. There have been very few times during his reign when he has faced an internal challenge. However, Saturday brought a new challenge for them, when Wagner Group has rebelled against him. Wagner Group is a private military, which was fighting the war in Ukraine on behalf of Russia. Yevney Prigozhin, chief of the Wagner Group, has claimed that his fighters have entered a major city in Russia.
In fact, Yevney Progozhin, Chief of Wagner Group, says that he has entered the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. The headquarters of the Russian army present here have also been captured. Prigozhin has even claimed that all the Russian military bases in the city have now been occupied by Wagner fighters. Now the question arises as to why the Wagner Group targeted the city of Rostov-on-Don. Let us know the answer.
Also Read: How Much Salary Do Wagner Group Fighters Get?
Why Wagner Group targeted Rostov-on-Don?
Rostov-on-Don is a major city in the south of Russia. This city is the capital of Rostov region. Rostov-on-Don is located close to eastern Ukraine, where the war is going on. The distance of the city from the border of Ukraine is only 100 km. This city means a lot to Russia. This is because the Southern District Command of the Russian Army is present here.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that the 58th Combined Arms Army of the Southern District Command is fighting in southern Ukraine. Rostov also houses the command center of the Russian Combined Army Group across Ukraine and is therefore an important logistical center for the Russian military. It is from here that weapons are supplied for the war.
Read also: Why did the Wagner Group revolt in Russia?
ISW says that if there is a setback to the presence of the Russian army here, then its direct impact will be seen on the war. If the presence of Wagner Group becomes strong here, then Russia may suffer a setback in the Ukraine war. This city is important for Russia, Wagner’s occupation of military bases here means the standing of Russia’s trouble in the Ukraine war.
The Wagner Group is fighting the war in Ukraine in collaboration with the Russian army. That’s why Yevgeny Prigozhin knew very well that if he captured the city of Rostov-on-Don, it could put Russia on the back foot. The Wagner Group, carrying out its plans very well, first targeted the city of Rostov-on-Don.
