Russia accuses Wagner chief of urging “armed rebellion”
Analysis: Tensions between Prigozhin and Russian MOD come to a head
In the ongoing power struggle between Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, and the Russian Defense Ministry, tensions have reached a critical point. Prigozhin has long been critical of Russia’s handling of the Ukraine war and has accused the military leadership of incompetence. He has refused to comply with the Kremlin’s demand for all Russian mercenaries to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry, asserting his independence and criticizing the military hierarchy. The recent alleged attack on a Wagner camp has only deepened the rift between Prigozhin and the Defense Ministry.
Prigozhin’s inflammatory comments on social media, accusing the Defense Ministry of deceiving Russian President Vladimir Putin about the threat posed by Ukraine and questioning Russian motives for the war, have further escalated the situation. Moscow has been placed on alert as Prigozhin called for a “march for justice” against defense officials he holds responsible for the attack, while his mercenary forces reportedly enter the southern Russian region of Rostov. The Ukrainian defense officials are closely monitoring the situation, and tensions are rising on both sides of the border.
Russian state media reporter says streets are calm in Rostov on Don
According to a Russian state media correspondent, the situation in the southern city of Rostov on Don, which neighbors Ukraine, is relatively calm. There is only a partial street closure in the city, with some military vehicles and armed personnel present. However, overall, traffic is normal, and the presence of people on the streets is minimal.
Rostov region governor asks residents to stay calm
Amid the escalating tensions, the governor of the Rostov region, Vasily Golubev, is urging residents to stay calm and remain indoors unless necessary. Law enforcement agencies are working to ensure the safety of the region’s residents, and Golubev emphasized the need for cooperation and order during this challenging time.
Local Moscow journalist describes calm in the city but heightened security
A local journalist in Moscow reported that the streets appear calm, and people do not seem to be afraid. However, there is heightened security at government agencies, with visible military equipment and police cars stationed near these buildings. The Ministry of the Interior is particularly well-guarded.
Moscow accuses Wagner chief of calling for “armed rebellion.”
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, has accused Russia’s military leadership of killing a significant number of his mercenaries and vowed to retaliate. These claims prompted the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to launch a criminal case against Prigozhin, accusing him of calling for “armed rebellion.” The situation is being closely monitored by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and security measures have been heightened in Moscow and the Rostov region.
Explosions reported in Kyiv, mayor says
The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has reported explosions in the city’s central Solomyanskyi district. Fragments of a rocket hit a building, causing smoke on the upper floors. Rescue services are on the scene, and air sirens have been sounded, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.
US intel has long assessed the power struggle between Prigozhin and the Russian government
US officials have been monitoring the internal power struggle between the Wagner Group and the Russian government since January. There have been indications of tension between Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Russian Defense Ministry, with the United States gathering intelligence on the situation. This assessment highlights the seriousness with which the White House and Pentagon view the potential for further instability in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Here’s why Russia is investigating Prigozhin
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Yevgeny Prigozhin, accusing him of calling for “armed rebellion.” This move comes after Prigozhin accused Russia’s military of attacking a Wagner camp and killing a significant number of his men, promising retaliation. The Defense Ministry has denied these accusations, calling them “informational propaganda.” The rift between Prigozhin and the Kremlin has raised concerns about the stability of the region, leading to increased security measures in Moscow and the Rostov region.
<< photo by Scott Graham >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
