Title: Owner of Wagner Group Calls for Armed Rebellion, Faces Resistance in Russian City
Date: June 24, 2023
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
The owner of the Wagner Group military contractor, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has launched a direct challenge to the Kremlin by calling for an armed rebellion to oust the Russian defense minister. In response, the Russian security services have opened a criminal investigation against Prigozhin and ordered his arrest.
The seriousness with which the Kremlin has taken this threat is evident in the increased security measures in Moscow and Rostov-on-Don, where the headquarters for Russia’s southern region are located. These headquarters oversee the fighting in Ukraine, where the Wagner Group has played a crucial role, particularly in capturing the city of Bakhmut, the site of the bloodiest battles.
Prigozhin claims that his forces have reached Rostov and are facing no resistance from the young recruits at the checkpoints. He has vowed to destroy anyone who gets in their way, stating that they are not fighting children but are determined to go to the end.
According to Prigozhin, the chief of the General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, ordered warplanes to attack Wagner’s convoys, which were traveling alongside civilian vehicles. He further alleges that Wagner’s camps in Ukraine were attacked by rockets, helicopter gunships, and artillery fire on Gerasimov’s orders after a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who allegedly decided to eliminate Wagner.
In response to these allegations, Prigozhin has declared that his troops will mobilize to punish Shoigu in an armed rebellion, urging the army not to offer resistance. He emphasizes that this is not a military coup but a march for justice.
The National Anti-Terrorism Committee, part of the Federal Security Service (FSB), has opened a criminal investigation against Prigozhin for calling for an armed rebellion. The FSB has asked the soldiers of the Wagner Group to arrest Prigozhin and refuse to follow his “criminal and treasonable orders.” They argue that his statements have betrayed Russian troops and could potentially incite armed conflict within the country.
Russia’s attorney general has justified the criminal investigation, stating that armed rebellion carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the situation, and the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, assures that all necessary measures are being taken.
The actions of Prigozhin, who has repeatedly criticized Russia’s military leadership, accusing them of incompetence and depriving troops of necessary resources, have now escalated to calls for armed rebellion. This move has drawn strong condemnation from senior military officers, with Colonel General Sergei Surovikin warning that it could benefit Russia’s enemies and trigger a civil war.
In Rostov-on-Don, where Prigozhin claims his forces have reached, security has been increased, with military and police personnel seen on the streets, including armored personnel carriers and air patrols.
The situation remains tense as the Russian authorities attempt to quell the rebellion and maintain stability within the country. The outcome of this challenge to the Kremlin’s authority and the future of the Wagner Group’s involvement in the war in Ukraine hangs in the balance.
How is the Russian government planning to take action against Prigozhin’s call for armed rebellion?
To take action against Prigozhin.
The response to Prigozhin’s call for rebellion has been mixed within Russia. While there is a degree of support for his cause among some factions, particularly those disillusioned with the Kremlin’s handling of the conflict in Ukraine, others have condemned his actions as reckless and dangerous. It remains to be seen whether his call will gain traction beyond a small group of loyal followers.
Within Ukraine, there has been a cautious response to Prigozhin’s statements. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern over the potential escalation of violence and have called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. They have also urged Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The situation in Kyiv is tense as authorities brace for potential unrest and demonstrations. Security forces have been deployed to key areas, and additional measures have been implemented to maintain order and prevent any potential disturbances.
The implications of Prigozhin’s call for armed rebellion are significant. It not only challenges the authority and control of the Kremlin but also raises questions about the stability and unity of Russia’s military and security apparatus. This development could potentially have far-reaching consequences for both domestic and international security.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on the Russian government’s response and its ability to contain the situation. The ultimate outcome of this challenge to the Kremlin’s authority remains uncertain, but its repercussions will undoubtedly be felt throughout the region and beyond.
This article highlights an alarming development within Russia, with the owner of Wagner Group advocating armed rebellion against the defense minister. It’s a grave matter that calls for a thorough criminal investigation to ensure stability and protect the country’s security.