In June 2023, a group of Russian mercenaries rebelled against President Vladimir Putin, calling for the dismissal of dishonest and inept military leaders and an end to the conflict in Ukraine. — On June 24, 2023, the Wagner Group, a band of Russian mercenaries, started a rebellion against Vladimir Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former ally of Putin, led the rebels, who sought the dismissal of corrupt and inept military leaders and accused the Russian government of botching the war in Ukraine.