Iran’s Raisi, Emir of Qatar express support for Russia in relation to failed Wagner mutiny

In connection with a failed Wagner uprising on June 24, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has expressed his complete support to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a telephone call, the Kremlin announced in a statement Monday.

After the phone call, the Iranian president’s political deputy took to Twitter to highlight Iran’s support for Russian sovereignty. According to Mohammad Jamshidi, Putin explained the events related to the aborted mutiny and insisted such incidents cannot hurt Russian sovereignty.

Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic of Iran doesn’t support any side in the year-long brutal invasion of Ukraine, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani, reiterated on Monday. But the US has accused the country of supplying Russia with drones.

Emir of Qatar Backs Putin

Washington has even accused Tehran of helping build a factory to manufacture the dangerous drones. Iran has, however, rejected both the allegations. Meanwhile, another press release from the Russian presidency revealed the Emir of Qatar has also expressed his support to Putin.

Russia was rocked by a major uprising on Friday when Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin posted audio messages on Telegram accusing the country’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu of trying to “destroy” the group.

As the international community closely watched the situation worsen, troops loyal to Prigozhin advanced hundreds of kilometres toward the capital only to hear the chief suddenly bring an end to the mutiny and agree to go into exile with all charges against him dropped.

Russia Potentially Made Concessions

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the uprising was a “direct challenge” to Putin’s authority. Instead of defeating Prigozhin, the Russian leader had to negotiate with him, revealing his vulnerability, said Kirill Rogov, a former Russian government advisor.

It seems Russia had to make concessions this time as the decision to drop all charges against the Wagner mercenary chief and his fighters doesn’t match the lengthy jail sentences authorities have given people for even minor demonstrations against the Ukraine war.