[Video] – Calls for Putin’s Removal Intensify

Russian Commander Calls for Coup Over Ukraine Failures

Georgy Zakrevsky, the founder of the Paladin Private Military Company (PMC), has issued a scathing critique of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a video statement, Zakrevsky attributed Russia’s military failures in Ukraine directly to Putin and called for a coup against the president. This move represents one of the most significant threats to Putin’s leadership since the Wagner Group’s mutiny last year.

Zakrevsky, who leads the Paladin PMC, a group with approximately 300 members, has a history of involvement in conflicts globally, including in Syria and Africa. His recent video attack on Putin highlights his frustration with the current state of affairs.

In the video, Zakrevsky accused Putin of being responsible not only for military setbacks but also for Russia’s broader economic and social problems. He described the country as being in “big trouble” and criticized Putin’s handling of various issues. Zakrevsky pointed to several problems, including drone attacks reaching central Russia and the Black Sea fleet’s diminished status. He lamented the state of the Russian military, noting that aviation capabilities were failing and that Russia was stuck in outdated positions.

The private military leader further criticized Putin for his perceived neglect of the general population, who, according to Zakrevsky, are suffering from poverty, alcoholism, and other social issues. He also condemned the government’s focus on bringing in migrants instead of addressing these domestic problems.

Zakrevsky’s video has circulated widely among Russian military personnel, signaling a potentially severe challenge to the Kremlin. This unrest echoes the earlier rebellion by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a notable but short-lived revolt against Putin last June.