Russian Guard Bolsters Firepower with tank Units Following 2023 Wagner Rebellion
Moscow, Ukraine – The Russian National Guard is re-equipping with tank units and othre heavy weaponry, marking a significant expansion of its firepower, according to a statement by Russian Guard Commander Viktor Zolotov. The move comes after a review of security vulnerabilities exposed during the June 2023 Wagner Group rebellion, which saw mercenary forces advance towards Moscow.
Zolotov stated the National Guard has “significantly” strengthened its capabilities over the past two years,adopting for the first time tanks,anti-tank weaponry,self-propelled artillery,and multiple launch rocket systems,as reported by the state news agency TASS.
The Wagner uprising, triggered by disputes with Russia’s military leadership over the war in Ukraine, highlighted weaknesses in the nation’s security apparatus. The rebellion was ultimately quelled through negotiations brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
As of January 2024,the Russian Guard numbered approximately 370,000 personnel.Zolotov indicated plans for further expansion to maintain control within Russia and in occupied territories of Ukraine.
Established in 2016, the Russian Guard operates as an internal security service directly under the command of President Vladimir Putin. Zolotov, a long-time security detail for both Putin and Boris Yeltsin, has stated the service draws lessons from past security failures, including the 1991 coup attempt.
Zolotov has attributed the Wagner rebellion to Western influence, alleging that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group’s leader, acted under the direction of foreign intelligence services or driven by personal ambition. Prigozhin died in a plane crash months after the uprising.
Prior to the rebellion, on June 23, prigozhin initiated a march towards Moscow demanding the removal of Defense Minister sergey Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. During the advance, Wagner forces captured Rostov-on-Don and reportedly downed six Russian Army helicopters and one aircraft.
