Russian media tried to portray Putin's heroism after June mutiny - UK intelligence

Russian state media outlets were almost certainly initially surprised by the 24 June 2023 Wagner Group mutiny and were not prepared, whereas Russian TV maintained its usual schedule.

The UK Defense Ministry said this in a new intelligence update published on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

According to analysts, after the insurrection was defused, Russian state outlets sought to "correct" claims that security forces had been passive.

"Narratives promoted the idea that President Vladimir Putin had triumphed by thwarting the insurrection, while avoiding bloodshed, and sought to unite the country behind the president," the ministry said.

Nearly a week later, the state started to play down the significance of Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin and the mutiny, while tarnishing his character.

Wagner Telegram channels have largely gone silent, almost certainly due to state intervention, according to intelligence.

"By contrast, Putin has undertaken unusually prominent public engagements, almost certainly aiming to project strength," the ministry said.