Russian forces, under Vladimir Putin’s command, have raised concerns by sailing a boat displaying the flag of the notorious Wagner private army near the EU border, close to NATO territory. The vessel, associated with Moscow’s FSB security service, was spotted on the Narva River, prompting Estonia to seek an official explanation from Russia. Despite the incident, Moscow has not yet issued a statement in response.
The Wagner private military company, once a significant force with many mercenaries, played a key role in Putin’s initial incursion into Ukraine before a falling out with its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who was previously Putin’s chef. In 2023, Prigozhin led an unsuccessful coup against the Putin regime due to disagreements over placing all personnel under Russian army control. He later died in a plane crash, widely believed to be a Kremlin-sanctioned assassination.
Although now operating with fewer soldiers, estimated at around 5,000, Wagner continues to conduct military activities in Africa on behalf of the Kremlin and possibly still maintains a limited presence in Ukraine. The use of the Wagner flag near the tense Narva River border between Russia and NATO member Estonia has raised suspicions of potential disloyalty towards Putin within the group.
In response to the incident, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna suggested that the actions could indicate internal unrest within Russia, questioning if the Wagner group was making a move against Moscow once again or possibly targeting St. Petersburg. The situation has been viewed as a sign of cracks in Russia’s “iron” system due to the ongoing pressure from the West and the consequences of its aggressive actions.
Estonia remains vigilant along its 183-mile border with Russia, with British troops, part of Operation Cabrit, deployed to bolster NATO’s presence in the region. This deployment, which includes French and local forces, is primarily stationed at the Tapa military camp, approximately 80 miles from the Russian border.