In the eyes of the Russian leadership, the head of the Russian private army, Wagner, is now considered a possible coup plotter.
(Photo: dpa)
The Russian authorities have launched criminal investigations into the head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, for calling for a military coup. The national anti-terrorist committee said on Friday that it was about his threat to overthrow Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said all necessary steps would be taken. President Vladimir Putin has been informed of the situation.
Prigoshin had previously accused Shoigu of ordering a rocket attack on one of his mercenary troops’ camps. There were a large number of victims. The Ministry of Defense rejected the allegations.
Prigozhin said Wagner fighters had gone into action against the commanders responsible for the attack. He urged the army not to resist. “We will consider those who try to oppose us as a threat and destroy them immediately,” announced Prigozhin. Any checkpoint that resists will be fired upon. Attacking aircraft would be shot down.
“The evil that the country’s military leadership has in mind must be stopped,” Prigozhin said in a recorded statement. His troops are not out to challenge Putin. “We will clean up with those who destroy Russian soldiers and then return to the front,” he assured. “Justice will be restored in the armed forces, and then justice will be restored across Russia.”
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