Russia is currently in trouble as a result of the uprising led by the formidable mercenary group Wagner. The paramilitary group’s leader, Wagner, claimed that his soldiers had seized control of military sites in two Russian cities.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a rebellious Russian mercenary commander, asserted that he had taken over Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh as part of an effort to unseat the top military officials. His detention has been mandated by Russia, which has described this as a “armed mutiny”.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has issued a warning that individuals who engage in treason or armed insurrection will face “punishment.”
Putin promised a severe retaliation and punishment of anybody who took part in an armed insurrection. Any activities that undermine our cohesion, he declared, are “a stab in the back of our country and our people.”
The president called for unity among the soldiers and referred to the events in Rostov as an uprising.
The long-running dispute over the conflict in Ukraine between Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and the military’s senior brass is now in the open.
Wagner fighters had reportedly crossed the border into Russia from Ukraine and were ready to go “all the way” against Moscow’s troops after the Kremlin accused them of engaging in an armed revolt.
Alongside the Russian army’s formal counterpart in Ukraine, The Wagner Group has been operating as a private army of mercenaries. In recent months, Prigozhin, a former ally of Putin’s, has engaged in a fierce spat with Moscow.
A statement from the mercenary firm Wagner claimed that Russia would soon have a new president. The rebel group made this claim after President Putin threatened to punish and retaliate harshly against anyone responsible for the insurrection.
Additionally, the armed organisation asserted that the Russian Civil War had “officially” begun.
According to claims in the official media, the Wagner troops have taken control of the Southern Military District facility in Rostov, increasing security across Moscow.
Moscow’s security forces are on high alert, and the city’s government buildings, transport hubs, and other important areas have increased security.
According to local media, Nexta, the Wagnerites have also taken control of the headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB division, the Rostov administration, and one of the police departments.
After the leader of the Wagner group claimed that his soldiers had penetrated the southern border region, Russian authorities in Rostov advised citizens to remain at home.
The governor of Rostov area issued a warning: “Due to the current situation, please avoid travelling to the city centre and, if possible, stay at home.”
After the Kremlin accused him of “armed rebellion,” the Wagner mercenary organisation in Russia has threatened to “go all the way” to overthrow the country’s military leadership. His men would “destroy everything” in their path, he declared.
On Saturday, the mayor of Moscow declared that “anti-terror” measures were being implemented in the Russian capital as a result of the leader of the mercenary company Wagner making a threat to overthrow the military establishment.
Sergei Sobyanin said on social media, “In connection with the incoming information in Moscow, anti-terrorist measures aimed at strengthening security are being taken.”
Igor Artamonov, the governor of the Lipetsk region south of Moscow, stated that a decision had been made to strengthen security measures in the area. “Please keep your cool, everyone,” Lipetsk is located about 400 km south of Moscow.
According to Prigozhin, a Russian military helicopter that “opened fire on a civilian convoy” was shot down by his men. The allegation could not be immediately corroborated because he failed to provide a location, according to the news agency.
TASS said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was receiving round-the-clock information, while the White House said it was keeping an eye on the situation and would talk with partners.
Wagner fighters were ordered by General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, to obey Putin, submit to Moscow’s leadership, and go back to their bases. According to him, political instability would benefit Russia’s adversaries.
The FSB security service of Russia filed a criminal complaint against him and ordered the Wagner private military business soldiers to defy him and detain Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary army.
Regional FSB offices in Voronezh and Lipetsk are being evacuated. They are on the path Prigozhin takes from Rostov to Moscow.
