MOSCOW, Jun 25 (NNN-TASS) – The PMC Wagner Centre in St. Petersburg was cordoned off by security forces yesterday, after the Wagner private military was accused of attempting to carry out a rebellion, while its fighters were urged by the Russian Ministry of Defence to surrender.
The Russian Ministry of Defence denied information about the Russian Armed Forces striking the rear camps of the Wagner PMC, said Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stating that, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, was informed about the situation and that all necessary measures were being taken.
A criminal case is being initiated against Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military group, for incitement to armed insurrection, the Public Relations Centre of the Russian Federal Security Service said earlier yesterday, calling on Wagner PMC fighters, not to carry out Prigozhin’s orders and to take measures to detain him.
The appeal came, after several audio recordings were posted on Prigozhin’s Telegram channel. In these recordings, Prigozhin claimed that his units had allegedly come under attack, accusing Russia’s military leadership of orchestrating the strikes.
The Russian Ministry of Defence issued a statement, declaring that, information disseminated on social networks, on behalf of Prigozhin, about a strike by the Russian Armed Forces on Wagner PMC rear camps, is false.
In addition, the ministry stated that, the Russian Armed Forces continue to carry out combat missions on the line of contact with the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), in an area where a special military operation is being conducted.
Kiev is concentrating units of 35th and 36th Marine Brigades UAF in Bakhmut’s direction, for offensive actions, “taking advantage of Prigozhin’s provocation on disorganisation of the situation,” said the Russian ministry.
Moscow’s critical facilities have been put under reinforced protection, and security measures in the capital have been increased.
“Due to the oncoming information, counter-terrorism measures, aimed at reinforcement of security measures, are in effect in Moscow. Increased traffic control has been introduced on roads. Restriction of mass events is possible,” said Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, on his Telegram channel.
As a result of these developments, security measures have been significantly reinforced in Moscow. Vital facilities, state institutions, and transportation infrastructure have been placed under heightened protection, with police and response units on high alert.
Also yesterrday, Putin had a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after the reported rebellion of the Wagner private military group. The two leaders discussed the latest developments in Russia, according to a statement by Erdogan’s office.– NNN-TASS
