The Rest Is Classified 103. Putin's Secret Army: The Coup That Almost Brought Down Russia (Ep 6)
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Nov 26, 2025 Could this be the moment when Putin's grip on power was threatened? The hosts dive into Prigozhin's audacious march on Moscow, revealing the chaos as Wagner seized Rostov and public confusion reigned. They discuss the brutal toll of the Bakhmut battle and Prigozhin's viral outbursts against military leaders. The aftermath of the mutiny showcases Putin's calculated revenge and the startling revelations about Russia's fragile elite dynamics. The tragic plane crash that decimated Wagner's leadership adds another layer to this gripping tale.
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Prigozhin's Rise Exposed Elite Fault Lines
- Yevgeny Prigozhin rose from caterer to shadow warlord by leveraging battlefield successes and media theatrics.
- His public attacks on the military revealed cracks between Putin, Shoigu and rival power centers inside Russia.
Bakhmut Fueled Wagner's Power And Decline
- Bakhmut became a meat grinder that hugely expanded Wagner's ranks while inflicting catastrophic losses.
- The battle intensified Prigozhin's feud with the Ministry of Defence and fuelled his public grievances.
From Logistics Complaints To Revolutionary Rhetoric
- Prigozhin publicly accused the defence leadership of hoarding ammunition and profiting while Wagner died.
- His rhetoric escalated to warnings of revolution and framed him as the people's voice against a corrupt elite.