Sergei Surovikin, nicknamed General Armageddon by Russian media for his ruthlessness, is among senior generals who have reportedly disappeared from public view. Soon after the mutiny, Surovikin appeared in a video, looking uncomfortable and breathing hard, and without insignia; urging Prigozhin to give up. Reports now suggest he was a secret VIP member of the Wagner private military company. The kremlin has pushed back against multiple reports. Here are some key facts about general Surovikin.

Russia's 'General Armageddon' secret VIP member of Wagner?

Russia's most senior generals have dropped out of public view following a failed mercenary mutiny aimed at toppling the top brass, amid a drive by President Vladimir Putin to reassert his authority. Armed forces chief of staff General Valery Gerasimov has not appeared in public or on state TV since the aborted mutiny on Saturday when mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded Gerasimov be handed over. Nor has he been mentioned in a defence ministry press release since June 9.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offers to help put down Wagner mutiny

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says his forces are ready to help put down Wagner mutiny

The EU's top diplomat warned Thursday that a "weaker" Russian President Vladimir Putin would pose a "greater danger" after Wagner's aborted mutiny sparked the largest political crisis in decades in the nuclear-armed country. Until now we were looking at Russia as a threat because it was a lot of force and force has been used in Ukraine. Now we have to look at Russia as a risk because of internal instability," Borrell

Wagner mutiny: Weaker Putin is a great danger, says EU's Borrel

<p>Wagner chief and founder of&nbsp;the private military company (PMC)&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin declined to sign a contract with the Russian defence&nbsp;ministry which has led to the termination of the PMC's involvement in the "special military operation" in Ukraine, media reports said quoting&nbsp;State Duma's Defense Committee chairman Andrey Kartapolov.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Russian defence ministry had announced that all groups and units involved in combat tasks needed to sign a contract with the ministry.</p>

<p>While most complied, Prigozhin chose not to, resulting in the exclusion of PMC Wagner from the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a consequence, funding and supplies for the PMC were withheld, a matter of significant importance to Prigozhin for being able to continue to wage its war on the Ukrainian battlefield.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kartapolov explained that the attempted mutiny occurred due to a combination of factors. First and foremost was the issue of money, followed by Prigozhin's unreasonable and excessive ambitions, and finally, an agitated mental state. These factors collectively led to an act of high treason and betrayal against his fellow soldiers, he pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-court-declares-govts-plan-to-send-migrants-to-rwanda-unlawful-610088">British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful</a></p>

<p>"Everyone began to carry out this decision, an absolutely correct one. Everyone except Mr Prigozhin," Kartapolov said, adding, "Then he was told that in this case, PMC Wagner would not take part in the special military operation. In other words, there will be no funding or supplies. Mr. Prigozhin this is an important thing, if not the main one."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the armed revolt by Wagner,&nbsp;Kartapolov said, "It came down to this: in the first place there was money; second, some stupid and exorbitant ambitions; and thirdly, an agitated state of mind. All of this combined evolved into an attempt at high treason and the deception of his comrades-in-arms."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What was Russian defence ministry's directive?&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>On June 10, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a directive aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of volunteer units within the combined group of forces.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-jailed-for-smuggling-800-people-into-us-using-uber-610082">Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber</a></p>

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei&nbsp;Shoigu signed an order outlining the procedure for organising the routine activities of these volunteer groups.</p>

<p>According to the directive, volunteers are required to sign contracts with the defence ministry by July 1, thereby obtaining legal status and ensuring standardised approaches to supplies and task execution.</p>

<h2><strong>Attempted military mutiny</strong></h2>

<p>On the evening of June 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed on his Telegram channel that his units had been attacked by Russia's military leadership.</p>

<p>However, the Russian defence ministry refuted these allegations and termed them false. Some PMC Wagner units who supported Prigozhin started heading towards Rostov-on-Don and Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Tarang shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise to be held this year</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tarang-shakti-indias-largest-multilateral-air-exercise-to-be-held-this-year-610084/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Federal Security Service (FSB) initiated legal proceedings against them for inciting armed mutiny. Later, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address, labelled the actions of PMC Wagner as treason.</p>

<h2><strong>Negotiations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following discussions between Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin's convoys turned back and returned to their field camps.&nbsp;Lukashenko disclosed that he had proposed the use of an abandoned military garrison in Belarus as a field camp for PMC Wagner.</p>

<p>He assured Prigozhin of complete security and pledged to facilitate the relocation of PMC forces to Belarus.</p>

<p>The Kremlin later announced that PMC personnel would not face prosecution for their participation in the mutiny. The FSB terminated the criminal proceedings related to the attempted armed mutiny.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Wagner chief and founder of the private military company (PMC) Yevgeny Prigozhin declined to sign a contract with the Russian defence ministry which has led to the termination of the PMC's involvement in the "special military operation" in Ukraine, media reports said quoting State Duma's Defense Committee chairman Andrey Kartapolov.

Wagner chief and founder of the private military company (PMC) Yevgeny Prigozhin declined to sign a contract with the Russian defence ministry which has led to the termination of the PMC's involvement in the "special military operation" in Ukraine, media reports said quoting State Duma's Defense Committee chairman Andrey Kartapolov. Earlier, the Russian defence ministry had announced that all groups and units involved in combat tasks needed to sign a contract with the ministry. While most complied, Prigozhin chose not to, resulting in the exclusion of PMC Wagner from the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a consequence, funding and supplies for the PMC were withheld, a matter of significant importance to Prigozhin for being able to continue to wage its war on the Ukrainian battlefield. Kartapolov explained that the attempted mutiny occurred due to a combination of factors. First and foremost was the issue of money, followed by Prigozhin's unreasonable and excessive ambitions, and finally, an agitated mental state. These factors collectively led to an act of high treason and betrayal against his fellow soldiers, he pointed out. Also Read | British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful "Everyone began to carry out this decision, an absolutely correct one. Everyone except Mr Prigozhin," Kartapolov said, adding, "Then he was told that in this case, PMC Wagner would not take part in the special military operation. In other words, there will be no funding or supplies. Mr. Prigozhin this is an important thing, if not the main one." Over the armed revolt by Wagner, Kartapolov said, "It came down to this: in the first place there was money; second, some stupid and exorbitant ambitions; and thirdly, an agitated state of mind. All of this combined evolved into an attempt at high treason and the deception of his comrades-in-arms." What was Russian defence ministry's directive? On June 10, the Russian Defense Ministry issued a directive aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of volunteer units within the combined group of forces. Also Read | Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu signed an order outlining the procedure for organising the routine activities of these volunteer groups. According to the directive, volunteers are required to sign contracts with the defence ministry by July 1, thereby obtaining legal status and ensuring standardised approaches to supplies and task execution. Attempted military mutiny On the evening of June 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed on his Telegram channel that his units had been attacked by Russia's military leadership. However, the Russian defence ministry refuted these allegations and termed them false. Some PMC Wagner units who supported Prigozhin started heading towards Rostov-on-Don and Moscow. Watch | Tarang shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise to be held this year × The Federal Security Service (FSB) initiated legal proceedings against them for inciting armed mutiny. Later, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address, labelled the actions of PMC Wagner as treason. Negotiations Following discussions between Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin's convoys turned back and returned to their field camps. Lukashenko disclosed that he had proposed the use of an abandoned military garrison in Belarus as a field camp for PMC Wagner. He assured Prigozhin of complete security and pledged to facilitate the relocation of PMC forces to Belarus. The Kremlin later announced that PMC personnel would not face prosecution for their participation in the mutiny. The FSB terminated the criminal proceedings related to the attempted armed mutiny. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Wagner's participation in Ukraine war ends as Prigozhin refuses to sign Russian defense ministry contract

The whereabouts of a top Russian military general have been unknown to the public since Saturday. Sparking speculation regarding his involvement in the recent mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner.

Is Russia's general Sergei Surovikin facing repercussions for facilitating mutiny

Where is Russia's general Sergei Surovikin?

The Wagner Group mercenaries who seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday in a failed mutiny included at least three convicted criminals, a Reuters review of facial recognition software, court records and social media showed.

Wagner mutineers included Russian convicts freed to fight in Ukraine?

As Russia recovers from Wagner's short rebellion, there is a new focus on the rise of private armies. They have been used in many conflict around the world but the bigger question that arises here is how much of a threat are they to the global world order and can they be stopped?

How are private armies a threat to global world order?

Putin addresses members of the FSB, Federal Protection Service, Interior Ministry troops who 'ensured order' during the mutiny.

Wagner mutiny: Putin shaken but mot stirred?

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin flew into exile in Belarus under a deal that ended a mutiny by his fighters, as Putin praised his forces for averting a civil war. Lukashenko, seen as Putin's junior partner & Europe's last dictator, is positioning himself as the voice of reason. Revealing details of the deal with Prigozhin, Lukashenko said he talked the Wagner boss back from brink. While NATO says it is ready to defend against Moscow, or Minsk, some member states are tracking the events anxiously. Here's a look at the key developments.

'They will squash you like a bug': Belarus president says he warned Wagner boss Prigozhin | Details

Wagner Revolt: Lukashenko positions himself as voice of reason

The United States is stepping up sanctions heat on Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group. The latest round targets companies accused of illicit gold dealings to fund the mercenary group. This includes sanctions on two companies based in Central African republic. Previous US Sanctions against Wagner group had been put on hold. The latest round however were put in place following the Wagner chief's exile to Belarus. Russian mercenary leader yevgeny prigozhin flew to Belarus after being exiled from the Russian federation.

US treasury sanctions Wagner group's financiers in Africa

What is Belarus gaining from the chaos

Russian President said he let the aborted mutiny go on as long as it did to avoid bloodshed, while Wagner boss said he never intended to overthrow the government. Putin's televised address was his first public comment since Saturday, when he had said the rebellion threatened Russia's very existence and those behind it would be punished. Meanwhile, the United States' envoy in Moscow reached out to Russian officials. What's next for Wagner fighters?

Russia's enemies wanted fratricide, Putin hits out at the West

'Wanted Russians to kill each other': Putin hits out at Ukraine & its Western allies

After a weekend of chaos and confusion in Russia, President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation for the second time. Putin on Monday paid tribute to the pilots who were killed during the failed weekend mutiny.

Wagner Crisis: Putin pays tribute to pilots killed during failed mutiny

Wagner boss: Don't regret strikes on Russian aircraft, they dropped bomb on us

Moscow withdraws case against Wagner rebels while Putin addresses defence ministry

Wagner revolt: Ukraine and allies wanted Russians to kill each other, says Putin

Mutinous Russian mercenary fighters advanced to Moscow before their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin decided to retreat following a deal mediated by Belarus. Let's look back at how events unfolded in Russia's mercenary revolt.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary revolt:: A timeline

Wagner mercenaries headed back to their base after Vladimir Putin agreed to allow their leader to avoid treason charges and accept exile. Belarus brokered the agreement to avert Moscow's most serious security crisis in decades. The intervention by Lukashenko, seen as Putin's junior partner, embarrassed the Kremlin. While Wagner boss Prigozhin's exact whereabouts remain unclear, analysts say the revolt showed Putin's rule is more fragile than thought earlier. Here's how the world is reacting.

Wagner crisis: France flags 'fragility' of Putin's forces, US points to 'real cracks' in authority

Wagner Crisis: Putin allows Prigozhin to avoid treason charges and accept exile

The chief of mercenary group Wagner said in a surprise announcement that his troops were turning back to avoid spilling blood. "We are turning our columns around and going back to field camps," Yevgeny Prigozhin announced after vowing to march on Moscow to topple the military leadership. He said he understood the importance of the moment and did not want to "spill Russian blood."

Wagner Chief Prigozhin calls off march on Moscow to avoid spilling blood

<p>In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus.&nbsp;Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases.</p>

<p>The Wagner mutiny drama ended after Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march towards Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in last 30 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-unearth-4000-year-old-stonehenge-burial-ground-in-the-netherlands-608203">Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands</a></p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner&nbsp;chief, Lukashenko held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-rolls-out-perspectives-tab-in-major-search-engine-revamp-608201">Google rolls out 'Perspectives' tab in major search-engine revamp</a></p>

<p>“At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚡️⚡️⚡️ President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belarus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lukashenko?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lukashenko</a> held talks w/ head of PMC Wagner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prigozhin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prigozhin</a>. Negotiations continued throughout the day.<br />
<br />
‼️Y.Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of 🇧🇾 to stop the movement of armed people of the Wagner company on the territory of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kpf2SW7RNu">pic.twitter.com/Kpf2SW7RNu</a></p>
— Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelarusMFA/status/1672660872668368898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops on the country's land on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "Why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putins-chef-vs-defence-minister-where-has-wagner-operated-608172/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Many world leaders were also keeping a close eye on the events in Russia as Putin faced a tough battle to push back Wagner chief from making gains in several Russian regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Wagner chief pledged to overthrow Russia's military leadership and his forces were moving through the Lipetsk region, situated around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, however, it seems like a deal was brokered between the warring factions which ultimately lead to the turning back of mercenary forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's parliamentary leaders had expressed support for President Putin against Wagner mercenaries. On Saturday, the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament declared their backing for President Vladimir Putin amidst the Wagner mercenary group's attempted ousting of the country's military leadership.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus.

In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases. The Wagner mutiny drama ended after Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march towards Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in last 30 years. Also Read | Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner chief, Lukashenko held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.” Also Read | Google rolls out 'Perspectives' tab in major search-engine revamp “At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ President of #Belarus #Lukashenko held talks w/ head of PMC Wagner #Prigozhin. Negotiations continued throughout the day. ‼️Y.Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of 🇧🇾 to stop the movement of armed people of the Wagner company on the territory of #Russia pic.twitter.com/Kpf2SW7RNu — Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) June 24, 2023 × Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops on the country's land on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "Why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army." Watch | 'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated? × Many world leaders were also keeping a close eye on the events in Russia as Putin faced a tough battle to push back Wagner chief from making gains in several Russian regions. Earlier in the day, Wagner chief pledged to overthrow Russia's military leadership and his forces were moving through the Lipetsk region, situated around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, however, it seems like a deal was brokered between the warring factions which ultimately lead to the turning back of mercenary forces. Russia's parliamentary leaders had expressed support for President Putin against Wagner mercenaries. On Saturday, the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament declared their backing for President Vladimir Putin amidst the Wagner mercenary group's attempted ousting of the country's military leadership. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed

<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief,&nbsp;on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were ready to make concessions to the defence ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message released by his spokespeople.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry has denied Prigozhin's claims of strikes on camps of Wagner&nbsp;forces. As per a report by CNN,&nbsp;Russia’s domestic intelligence service has now&nbsp;opened a criminal case against him.</p>

<h2><strong>There was no need for Russia to invade Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner chief also blamed defence minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin has often accused Shoigu and some other officials during the course of the war, but the latest allegation is significant, as it questions Russia's justifications for invading Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted on social media on&nbsp;Friday (June 23), the Wagner chief can be heard saying that Russia did not face any imminent security threat to justify the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a half-hour video released by his press service, Prigozhin&nbsp;said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-rippled-13-cruise-missiles-fired-by-russia-607781">Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"On 24 February [2022] there was nothing extraordinary happening there. Now the Ministry of Defence is trying to deceive the public, deceive the president and tell a story that there was some crazy aggression by Ukraine, that - together with the whole NATO&nbsp;bloc - Ukraine was planning to attack us," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a Marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star… the war wasn't for demilitarising or de-nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why did the special military operation begin? ... the war was needed for the self-promotion of a bunch of ba***rds," he added, further blaming Russian military leadership for "poorly planning" the invasion and "embarrassing" because of the setbacks on the battlefield.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-mounts-legal-challenge-to-keep-embassy-site-near-australian-parliament-607792">Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He said, "Shoigu killed thousands of the most combat-ready Russian soldiers in the first days of the war. The mentally ill sc**bags decided 'It's okay, we'll throw in a few thousand more Russian men as cannon fodder.&nbsp;They'll die under artillery fire, but we'll get what we want'."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's why it has become a protracted war," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin said that the war was also needed to enrich the ruling elite who were not satisfied with the commercial potential of part of Ukraine's Donbas region that Moscow seized control of in 2014 via a proxy separatist force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "The task was to divide material assets (in Ukraine). There was massive theft in the Donbas, but they wanted more."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian diplomat stages protest as Australia dismisses lease for Moscow embassy&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-diplomat-stages-protest-as-australia-dismisses-lease-for-moscow-embassy-607879/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Russia 'retreating' from Ukraine attacks&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner's chief also said that Moscow's forces are retreating in Ukraine's east and south following Kyiv's counteroffensive - remarks that are basically contradicting recent assessments by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine was suffering "catastrophic" losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the ground now ... the Russian army is retreating on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are pushing back the Russian army," Prigozhin said on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, just a few days after launching the invasion, Russia claimed that it annexed the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are washing ourselves in blood. No one is bringing reserves. What they tell us is the deepest deception," Prigozhin added, referring to the Russian military and political leadership.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief, on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief, on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces. "We were ready to make concessions to the defence ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message released by his spokespeople. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," he added. The Russian defence ministry has denied Prigozhin's claims of strikes on camps of Wagner forces. As per a report by CNN, Russia’s domestic intelligence service has now opened a criminal case against him. There was no need for Russia to invade Ukraine Wagner chief also blamed defence minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine in February last year. Prigozhin has often accused Shoigu and some other officials during the course of the war, but the latest allegation is significant, as it questions Russia's justifications for invading Ukraine. In a video posted on social media on Friday (June 23), the Wagner chief can be heard saying that Russia did not face any imminent security threat to justify the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a half-hour video released by his press service, Prigozhin said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president." Also read: Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia "On 24 February [2022] there was nothing extraordinary happening there. Now the Ministry of Defence is trying to deceive the public, deceive the president and tell a story that there was some crazy aggression by Ukraine, that - together with the whole NATO bloc - Ukraine was planning to attack us," he said. "The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a Marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star… the war wasn't for demilitarising or de-nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star," he further added. "Why did the special military operation begin? ... the war was needed for the self-promotion of a bunch of ba***rds," he added, further blaming Russian military leadership for "poorly planning" the invasion and "embarrassing" because of the setbacks on the battlefield. Also read: Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament He said, "Shoigu killed thousands of the most combat-ready Russian soldiers in the first days of the war. The mentally ill sc**bags decided 'It's okay, we'll throw in a few thousand more Russian men as cannon fodder. They'll die under artillery fire, but we'll get what we want'." "That's why it has become a protracted war," he said. Prigozhin said that the war was also needed to enrich the ruling elite who were not satisfied with the commercial potential of part of Ukraine's Donbas region that Moscow seized control of in 2014 via a proxy separatist force. He said, "The task was to divide material assets (in Ukraine). There was massive theft in the Donbas, but they wanted more." Watch: Russian diplomat stages protest as Australia dismisses lease for Moscow embassy × Russia 'retreating' from Ukraine attacks Wagner's chief also said that Moscow's forces are retreating in Ukraine's east and south following Kyiv's counteroffensive - remarks that are basically contradicting recent assessments by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine was suffering "catastrophic" losses. "On the ground now ... the Russian army is retreating on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are pushing back the Russian army," Prigozhin said on social media. Last year, just a few days after launching the invasion, Russia claimed that it annexed the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. "We are washing ourselves in blood. No one is bringing reserves. What they tell us is the deepest deception," Prigozhin added, referring to the Russian military and political leadership. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wagner chief accuses Russian military of bombing his forces, vows revenge

<p>Warning bells are ringing in Moscow over fears that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin might attempt at orchestrating a military coup in Russia. The enraged Wagner boss declared Saturday that his men had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and he was ready to go “all the way” against the Russian military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are going onwards and we will go to the end," Yevgeny Prigozhin, 62, said in an audio message.</p>

<p>"We will destroy everything that stands in our way," he added in the most audacious challenge to President Vladimir Putin since the start of the offensive in Ukraine last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Kremlin and Wagner chief are at loggerheads?</strong></h2>

<p>A long-running standoff between Kremlin and Russia’s top military brass seems to have come to a head. Earlier, the Wagner boss accused Russia of staging an attack on his men and killing 2,000 of them. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," Prigozhin alleged.<br />
<br />
Earlier, he also blamed the Russian defence ministry and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine. He said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president."</p>

<h2><strong>Kremlin orders Prigozhin’s immediate arrest, prosecution </strong></h2>

<p>As the Wagner boss vows to take revenge on the Russian authorities, the Kremlin has ordered his immediate arrest and prosecution. Russia also accused mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin of calling for an armed mutiny after he alleged, without providing evidence, that the military leadership had claimed the lives of 2,000 of his fighters and vowed to stop what he called its "evil".</p>

<p>Russia’s top commander in Ukraine, Sergey Surovikin, on Friday evening, urged the Wagner fighters to "stop" and to "obey the will" of President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I’m addressing the leadership, commanders and fighters of Wagner. Together with you, we have traveled a difficult and hard path. We fought together, took risks, suffered losses and we won together. We are of the same blood. We are warriors. I urge you to stop, the enemy is only waiting for the internal political situation to worsen in our country," Surovikin was quoted as saying in Russian state media reports.</p>

<h2><strong>Security measures being taken in Moscow</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, security around Moscow and the Kremlin has been beefed up. The military build-up in the area has been increasing for some hours now. Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware of the situation that is unfolding around Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private military company Wagner, and the necessary measures are being taken, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, as per news agency TASS.</p>

<h2><strong>Reaction from the US</strong></h2>

<p>US National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge on Friday said that the US was monitoring the developing situation involving the Wagner fighters and Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Warning bells are ringing in Moscow over fears that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin might attempt at orchestrating a military coup in Russia. The enraged Wagner boss declared Saturday that his men had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and he was ready to go “all the way” against the Russian military.

Warning bells are ringing in Moscow over fears that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin might attempt at orchestrating a military coup in Russia. The enraged Wagner boss declared Saturday that his men had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and he was ready to go “all the way” against the Russian military. "We are going onwards and we will go to the end," Yevgeny Prigozhin, 62, said in an audio message. "We will destroy everything that stands in our way," he added in the most audacious challenge to President Vladimir Putin since the start of the offensive in Ukraine last year. Why Kremlin and Wagner chief are at loggerheads? A long-running standoff between Kremlin and Russia’s top military brass seems to have come to a head. Earlier, the Wagner boss accused Russia of staging an attack on his men and killing 2,000 of them. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," Prigozhin alleged. Earlier, he also blamed the Russian defence ministry and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine. He said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president." Kremlin orders Prigozhin’s immediate arrest, prosecution As the Wagner boss vows to take revenge on the Russian authorities, the Kremlin has ordered his immediate arrest and prosecution. Russia also accused mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin of calling for an armed mutiny after he alleged, without providing evidence, that the military leadership had claimed the lives of 2,000 of his fighters and vowed to stop what he called its "evil". Russia’s top commander in Ukraine, Sergey Surovikin, on Friday evening, urged the Wagner fighters to "stop" and to "obey the will" of President Vladimir Putin. "I’m addressing the leadership, commanders and fighters of Wagner. Together with you, we have traveled a difficult and hard path. We fought together, took risks, suffered losses and we won together. We are of the same blood. We are warriors. I urge you to stop, the enemy is only waiting for the internal political situation to worsen in our country," Surovikin was quoted as saying in Russian state media reports. Security measures being taken in Moscow Meanwhile, security around Moscow and the Kremlin has been beefed up. The military build-up in the area has been increasing for some hours now. Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware of the situation that is unfolding around Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private military company Wagner, and the necessary measures are being taken, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, as per news agency TASS. Reaction from the US US National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge on Friday said that the US was monitoring the developing situation involving the Wagner fighters and Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Warning bells sounded in Moscow as Wagner’s men go all out against Russian military

Will Wagner lead a putsch against Putin? Wagner boss Prigozhin is dropping hints about a possible revolution. What are the chances he will challenge Putin and lead an insurrection with the help of the army? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Will Wagner lead a putsch against Putin? Prigozhin drops hints

prigozhin

Prigozhin, News on Prigozhin, stories on Prigozhin, articles on Prigozhin, Prigozhin stories at Wion, Prigozhin news, Prigozhin latest news