In . – 06.24.2023 10:22 (act. 06.24.2023 10:59)
The power struggle between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Wagner’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is escalating. ©Portal/Stringer/Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin pool photo via AP
The Wagner mercenary group blocks important objects in Rostov-on-Don. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks of betrayal and a “stab in the back” in a televised speech.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin’s actions a betrayal. Anyone who took part in the mutiny would be punished, and anyone who took up arms against the army was a traitor. “We will win and get stronger,” Putin said in a televised speech on Saturday. Putin called for the “neutralization” of mentors.
Power struggle between Putin and Wagner boss Prigozhin escalates
Putin confirmed the blockade of important objects in Rostov-on-Don by the Wagner mercenary group. “In fact, the work of the civilian and military leadership bodies is blocked,” Putin said in a speech to the Russian people on state television. On the situation in the Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, he said: “It remains difficult.”
Wagner’s troops control Rostov
Armed Forces must “neutralize” traitors
The armed forces were ordered to “neutralize” those who organized the uprising, Putin said.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has Rostov under control
Earlier, Wagner’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin had announced that his fighters had taken control of important military objects in Rostov, including an airfield. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow also asked the mercenaries to surrender.
Russia has declared a counter-terrorism emergency
In view of the armed uprising of Russian mercenary boss Prigozhin, authorities in and around Moscow have declared an anti-terror emergency. The Russian Ministry of Defense asked fighters from the Wagner mercenary group to refuse allegiance to their boss, Prigozhin.
Fighters from the Wagner mercenary group are said to be maintaining military installations in Voronezh
Wagner’s boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, earlier said in a video posted on Telegram that he and his Wagner mercenary troupe control all military installations in the city of Rostov. According to one source, fighters from the Wagner mercenary group also took control of all military installations in the city of Voronezh, 500 kilometers south of Moscow.
Wagner’s fighters move north
According to the British Ministry of Defence, other fighters from the Wagner mercenary group are moving north in the Voronezh district. They are probably on their way to Moscow. This is the greatest threat to the Russian state in recent times. Now it depends on the reaction of the security forces, mainly the National Guard. Until now, parts of Russian security forces have probably behaved passively and complacently.