Once one of Putin's most trusted allies, Yevgeny Prigozhin has thrust himself into the global spotlight in recent months with Russia's war in Ukraine.
The former hotdog vendor, who benefitted from having the Russian president as a powerful patron, has now moved into his most dangerous role yet: preaching open rebellion against his country's military leadership.
On Friday, the leader of the controversial Wagner group escalated months of scathing criticism over Russia's conduct in the war by calling for an armed uprising to oust the defence minister.
