Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to address the nation in the near future as the country faces a rebellion led by the armed Wagner group. This announcement was made by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Saturday.
The commander of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, confirmed on Saturday morning that he had taken control of military sites, including an airport, at the general headquarters of the Russian army command in the city of Rostov. In a video clip posted on Telegram, Prigozhin stated, “We are at the headquarters, it’s 7:30 am,” as men in military fatigues stood behind him.
The Russian Ministry of Defense sent a message to the Wagner fighters, accusing them of being deceived into participating in an armed insurrection led by Prigozhin. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced “combating terrorism” measures in the capital city, following Prigozhin’s vow to overthrow the military leadership.
Strict security measures have also been implemented in the Rostov and Lipetsk regions, which border Ukraine. Sobyanin stated on Telegram that anti-terror activities are currently taking place in Moscow to enhance security measures. Residents of the Rostov region were advised to stay home, with Governor Vasily Golubev assuring that security forces are taking necessary measures to ensure their safety.
Residents of the city of Rostov were urged to avoid heading to the city center, as reports and photos on the internet indicated the presence of armed men near official buildings. Prigozhin announced in an audio message that his forces entered Russia from Ukraine, where they were previously deployed.
The governor of the Lipetsk region, Igor Artamonov, also announced enhanced security measures and called on residents to remain calm and avoid heading south towards the Russian regions bordering Ukraine.
Prigozhin confirmed his intention to overthrow Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, accusing them of giving orders to bomb his forces and sacrificing tens of thousands of men in Ukraine.
As the situation unfolds, the nation awaits President Putin’s address, which is expected to shed light on the ongoing rebellion and the government’s response.
How has the presence and actions of the Wagner Group affected security measures in Russia, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine?
Russian President Vladimir Putin is about to address the nation amidst a growing rebellion led by the armed Wagner group. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made this announcement on Saturday, signaling the gravity of the situation unfolding in the country.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of the Wagner Group, confirmed on Saturday morning that he and his forces had taken control of military sites, including an airport, at the general headquarters of the Russian army command in the city of Rostov. In a video clip posted on Telegram, Prigozhin boldly stated their presence, with armed men standing behind him in military fatigues.
In response to the Wagner Group’s actions, the Russian Ministry of Defense sent a message accusing the fighters of being manipulated by Prigozhin into participating in an armed insurrection. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has announced that “combating terrorism” measures will be implemented in the capital city. This comes after Prigozhin pledged to overthrow the military leadership.
Security measures have been significantly heightened in regions of Rostov and Lipetsk, which share a border with Ukraine. Sobyanin updated residents on Telegram, informing them of ongoing anti-terror activities in Moscow aimed at bolstering security. Governor Vasily Golubev assured residents of the Rostov region that necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety, urging them to stay home.
Concerns about armed individuals near official buildings in the city of Rostov prompted authorities to advise against heading to the city center for the time being. Prigozhin released an audio message claiming that his forces entered Russia from Ukraine, where they had been previously stationed.
Governor Igor Artamonov of the Lipetsk region echoed the need for enhanced security measures and urged residents to remain calm, cautioning against traveling south towards the Russian regions bordering Ukraine.
Prigozhin has made it clear that his aim is to overthrow Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, accusing them of issuing orders to bomb his forces and sacrificing numerous lives in Ukraine.
As the nation anxiously awaits President Putin’s address, it is expected that his speech will shed light on the ongoing rebellion and reveal the government’s planned response. The gravity of the situation has sparked heightened emotions and widespread curiosity about the next steps in this tumultuous ordeal.
It will be intriguing to hear President Putin’s address as tensions rise within the Wagner Group. The nation awaits his response and hopes for a peaceful resolution to this rebellion.