Vladimir Putin has cut the phones of his “chef” Yevgeny Prigozhin in a new blow to Wagner private army obtaining ammunition to defeat the Ukrainians in Bakhmut.
Prigozhin's access to key defence and security officials has been blocked.
Earlier today, he said: “Our ammunition [supply] has not improved... but there has indeed been a change.”
“In order for me to stop asking for ammunition, I have had all special communication phones in all offices, in all units, switched off.”
The “chef”, who has previously criticised Russian defence officials and commanders for failing to supply his private military force Sith weaponry, said: “They have blocked all passes to the [state] agencies that make decisions [on war supplies].”
“I will not name them so as not to discredit them in any way,” he said.
“So now I can only ask [for more ammunition] through the media.”
However, it is unclear what impact the lack of supplies will have on the war, with Wagner claiming to be desperately short of ammunition and firepower despite gains in Bakhmut, Ukraine.
It is likely only Putin who could order a man seen as his close ally to be severed from key secure channels of communications on the state’s phone networks.
The move appears to confirm a rupture with the Russian President.
Yet observers believe that it is mainly Wagner that has brought the Kremlin leader military hope in recent weeks.
The advance in closely contested Bakhmut is mainly from Wagner, a ragbag force of volunteers and convicted criminals released from Russian jails to fight against Ukraine.
Prigozhin rose in sway after impressing Putin with his culinary skills, and winning major state catering contacts including arranging Kremlin banquets, hence his "chef" nickname.
He runs "troll factories" pumping out pro-Putin propaganda to the internet and on social media in Russia and abroad.
A convicted criminal in Soviet times, he attacked and robbed a woman and was jailed.
Recently his profile has - perhaps - become too big for Putin, who must decide soon on whether, aged 70, he will run for a new six year term as president in elections in 12 months.
Putin aides and military chiefs - including defence minister Sergei Shoigu - are said to fear Prigozhin.
The news comes as earlier this week, Russia had began building barricades on tourist beaches in annexed Crimea - indicating its fears about a potential attack by Ukraine .
This move is a clear sign that Vladimir Putin's military leaders are concerned about the possibility of a fight to maintain control over Crimea, which was annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Reports suggest a defensive line consisting of trenches, anti-tank pyramids and minefields is being built along the western coast of the peninsula.
