After being accused of “armed rebellion” by the Kremlin, the leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has vowed to “go all the way” to topple Russia’s military leadership.
Yevgeny Prigozhin confirmed that his Wagner fighters had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia, entering the city of Rostov-on-Don. Prigozhin stated that his forces would destroy anyone who stood in their way. In response, the local government has urged citizens to remain calm and stay indoors. He stated that his forces had shot down a Russian military helicopter that “opened fire on a civilian convoy”. He did not give a location and the assertion could not be immediately verified.
The Wagner group is a private army of mercenaries that have been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine. However, tension has been boiling up between them over how the war has been fought. Prigozhin has been increasingly critical of Russia’s military command in recent months.
In a recent audio message posted on the social media platform Telegram, the 62-year-old mercenary leader accused the military of launching a lethal missile strike on his troops and pledged retribution. Despite failing to provide evidence to support his claim, Prigozhin insisted that the “evil” within Russia’s military leadership must be stopped, vowing to march for justice.
The situation has prompted heightened security measures in Moscow, with key locations, including government buildings and transport facilities, being closely monitored. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson confirmed that he is receiving continuous updates on the unfolding events.
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Prigozhin, charging him with “inciting armed rebellion” and attempting to instigate armed civil conflict within Russia. The FSB has also called upon Wagner fighters to disregard his orders and take measures to apprehend him.
Russia’s defence ministry, on the other hand, vehemently denied the reports of Russian strikes on Wagner camps, dismissing them as “information provocations.”
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developments. The White House has stated that it is keeping a close eye on the situation and will consult with its allies. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has also acknowledged the events, stating simply, “We are watching.”
The situation remains highly fluid, with uncertainty and tensions gripping the nation as the confrontation between Prigozhin’s Wagner group and the Russian military escalates.
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