Wagner Boss Denies Coup Plot Amid Putin Ouster Speculation

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group, has denied accusations that he is plotting a military coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin using his mercenaries. Prigozhin responded to former Russian commander Igor Girkin's accusations, saying they are untrue and that he has a "very respectful attitude" towards Putin. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Prigozhin has dramatically increased the number of direct references he is making to Putin since May 9, after he indirectly criticized Putin during the Victory Day holiday.