Boikov,a controversial and outspoken advocate of Russia’s invasion and war,found his social media accounts erupting with frantic chatter as Wagner tanks and troops threatened to confront Putin’s military at the weekend.
“Do not compromise yourself by taking the bait of cheap disinformation which is aimed at creating uncertainty,weakness and confusion,” Boikov told his followers,suggesting NATO and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was involved.
It soon became clear,however,that Russia was on the brink of civil war between the government and itspowerful paramilitary force Wagner.
Boikov urged his fans,including many Westerners who support the invasion of Ukraine,to await Putin’s address to Russia.
Putin’s address,when it came some hours later,similarly suggested external foes were behind a campaign to sow disunity in Russia. The president denounced Wagner’s “betrayal” – and for the group’s public fans like Boikov that carries consequences.
Earlier this year Boikov asked Wagner to capture Western foreign fighters in Ukraine,so he could be swapped in a prisoner exchange.