DAILY STAR
Vladimir Putin has cut the phones of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, as experts say he is “nervous” about his apparent bid for power.
The private mercenary army has been a key fighting force for the Russians in Ukraine, but its leader Prigozhin has relentlessly criticised Russian defence officials.
This appears to have grown into a rivalry between Putin and Prigozhin, with the former worried the latter is vying for his job.
“Over the last year, Prigozhin has become more public and taken on this populist role,” Russia expert Olga Lautman previously told the Express.
She added the mercenary boss seems to be plotting a “power grab”.
The latest squabble has seen Prigozhin accuse Russian central command of “betrayal” by not supplying ammunition the Wagner Group needs to defeat the Ukrainians in Bakhmut.
Now, Putin has cut his phones meaning access to key defence and security officials has been blocked.
