Russia orders arrest of Wagner Chief amid 'armed mutiny'
By, Harshadkr. Arun Salve
Russia orders arrest of
Wagner Chief amid 'armed mutiny': What we know so far
A dramatic crisis has
erupted in Russia as the leader of the Wagner Group, a private military
company, has declared an armed rebellion against the country's military
command. Yevgeny Prigozhin, also known as "Putin's chef" for his
close ties to the president, has accused the Russian Defense Minister and the
Chief of the General Staff of ordering a rocket strike on his camps in Ukraine,
where his mercenaries have been fighting alongside pro-Russian separatists.
Prigozhin claims that he and his 25,000 soldiers have entered Russia and taken
control of the city of Rostov-on-Don, where the headquarters for the war in
Ukraine are based. He says he is ready to sacrifice his life for the Russian
people and to punish "those who destroyed our lads".
The Russian authorities have
reacted by issuing an arrest warrant for Prigozhin and calling him a traitor.
They have also increased security in several regions, especially in Moscow,
where anti-terrorism measures are being taken. President Vladimir Putin is
expected to address the nation soon and to announce the measures being taken to
thwart the attempted coup. The FSB security service has blamed Prigozhin for
trying to start a "civil conflict" and has called on Wagner fighters
to capture him.
This is the biggest domestic
challenge that Putin has faced since he ordered a full-scale invasion of
Ukraine in February last year. The war has sparked international condemnation
and sanctions, as well as resistance from some segments of the Russian society
and military. Prigozhin's mutiny exposes the rifts within the Russian elite and
the risks of relying on private contractors to wage proxy wars abroad. The
situation remains tense and unpredictable, as both sides have access to heavy
weapons and loyal supporters.
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