Putin is facing the greatest threat to his authority in two decades after the head of the Wagner group launched an apparent insurrection, claimed control of military facilities in two Russian cities, and warned that his troops would head for Moscow.
Staring down a sudden and staggering escalation of internal tensions that have simmered for months, the Russian president said on Saturday that those on “path of treason” or armed rebellion would be punished.
The Wagner group also claimed to have seized Russian facilities in a second city, Voronezh, some 600 kilometers to the north of Rostov-on-Don. The governor of the Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev, said the Russian military were engaging in “combat measures” in the area. Prigozhin has been notoriously critical of the Russian military hierarchy since the war in Ukraine started. But he had spared Putin from direct criticism, instead directing his ire towards the President’s commanders.
“When we were told that we were at war with Ukraine, we went and fought. But it turned out that ammunition, weapons, all the money that was allocated is also being stolen, and the bureaucrats are sitting [idly], saving it for themselves, just for the occasion that happened today, when someone [is] marching to Moscow,” Prigozhin said in his Saturday Telegram messages.
Many officials quickly rallied to Putin’s side. Russian intelligence official, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseev, posted a video about Prigozhin’s actions that day, describing it as a coup attempt. But in Ukraine, authorities watched one of the most significant developments since the war began with intrigue and defiance. “The internal Russian confrontation… is a sign of the collapse of the Putin regime,” said Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee also announced the introduction of a counter-terrorist operation regime in Moscow, the Moscow region and Voronezh region. Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communication regulator, said the government may restrict the internet in areas of the “counter-terrorist operation,” according to Russian state media agency TASS.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Moscow accuses Wagner head of mutiny, he says his forces enter RussiaWagner fighters had entered the southern Russian city of Rostov, Prigozhin says, adding that he and his men would destroy anyone who stood in their way.
Read more »
Moscow accuses Wagner of stoking 'civil conflict'MOSCOW, Russia -- Russian authorities on Saturday accused the head of the Wagner mercenary group of trying to start a 'civil conflict' and called for his detention.
Read more »
Wagner head suggests his mercenaries headed for Moscow to take on army leadershipJUST IN. Russian President Vladimir Putin will give a televised address soon, the TASS news agency cited the Kremlin as saying on Saturday. | via Reuters RELATED STORY:
Read more »
Russian commander urges Wagner fighters to ‘obey will of president’ and return to basesThe deputy commander of Russia’s Ukraine campaign, General Sergei Surovikin, on Friday urged the fighters of the Wagner private militia to give up their opposition to the military leadership and return to their bases. | Reuters
Read more »
Wagner leader calls for rebellion against Russian defense chief, Kremlin orders his arrestThe owner of the Wagner private military contractor escalated his direct challenge to the Kremlin on Friday, calling for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia’s defense minister. | AP
Read more »
Putin vows to punish ‘armed uprising’ by Wagner militiaRussian President Vladimir Putin warned that those on “path of treason” or armed rebellion will be “punished” after the head of the Wagner paramilitary group said his troops had taken control of military facilities in two Russian cities, plunging the country into crisis.
Read more »