The Russian war in Ukraine has just delivered an extraordinary twist. 

Sixteen months after its beginning, this conflict remains undecided, with Russians and Ukrainians still not being able to achieve a decisive advantage. But the biggest surprise has just happened. 

After being supported by the Kremlin, the paramilitary group Wagner just went into rebellion against Moscow. Wagner claimed on Jun. 24 to have taken control of key sites in Rostov-on-the-Don, a strategic location for the Russian command for its operations in Ukraine. 

Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed that his troops took control of the main Russian military command center for Ukrainian operations, as well as an air base in the city. 

President Vladimir Putin called the rebellion treasonous and a "stab in the back of our country and our people."

"Actions that divide our unity are in essence defeatism before one's own people," Putin said in a five-minute address to the nation. He promised "decisive actions" against Prigozhin and his forces.