Possible Coup Attempt In Russia As Putin, Wagner Mercenary Ldr. Trade Attacks

[Webster]

Very interesting goings' on in Russia tonight...

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-66006142

 

[Webster]

(BBC News) Late on Friday night in Moscow, security was stepped up at locations such as government buildings and transport facilities, after the head of Wagner, Russia's mercenary group, seemed to call for an armed rebellion against Russia's military.

Yevgeny Prigozhin also accused the Russian military of launching a deadly missile strike on his Wagner troops. He's now being investigated for inciting mutiny, the Kremlin has said.

There are a lot of unknowns and unverified information coming out of Russia tonight.

Here's a quick summary of what we know so far:
--Yevgeny Prigozhin is under investigation by Russia's security services for inciting mutiny
--The probe comes after the mercenary commander accused the Kremlin of hitting his troops with a missile strike on Friday
--In explosive messages on Telegram, Prigozhin said the "evil" in the military leadership must be stopped and vowed to "march for justice"
--The Kremlin has denied the strike happened and called on the Wagner chief to halt "illegal actions"
--Security in Moscow has been stepped up
--Senior generals have called on Wagner fighters to stand down, while Russia's security services have said they should detain Prigozhin

 

[Webster]

(BBC News) Governor of nearby region asks people not to travel south
The governor of Russia's Lipetsk region is asking residents not to travel south, as security in Russia tightens. Lipetsk is around 280km (175 miles) to the north-east of the nearest Ukrainian border and more than 500km north of Rostov.

Writing on Telegram, Igor Artamonov says security measures in the region are being tightened, with a particular focus on protecting critical infrastructure facilities. He also asks people to remain calm and trust information from official sources.

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Joe Inwood, BBC News Correspondent, formerly in Ukraine: Throughout this war, there has been another battle raging, one between two men at the heart of Russian power.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the notorious Wagner mercenary group, and Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defence Minister, have been jostling for position. It initially centred around Bakhmut, an unremarkable town in the middle of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. While the regular Russian army struggled elsewhere, the Wagner group managed to make gains.

Prigozhin used his forces’ success as an opportunity to build his own profile – and criticise the troops under Shoigu. He accused the Ministry of Defence of denying his men ammunition, even threatening to pull out. When victories occurred, both sides tried to take credit.

Prigozhin always took care to avoid criticising President Putin himself, but was scathing of those around him.

People I spoke to at the time suggested he was sailing very close to the wind, potentially overplaying his hand. If the emerging reports are to be believed, it seems he has decided to go all in.

 

[Daltonio]

Looks like there was some type of deal reached and the fighters halted their advance on Moscow to 'avoid spilling Russian blood'

 

[Black Angel]

Isn't Prigozhin on a wanted list or something? I mean how do we know this is legit.. I am sure it is, but I am wondering why he didn't do something sooner to stop Putin? The timing on this is sus..

 

[MrDawn]

They're calling it a civil war. I'm inclined to agree. Putin crossed a line that came with a steep price and now it's time to pay up.

 

[Black Angel]

I've read a few things that imply that this might've been a Russian psyop, because it was filmed.. and it makes sense, since it was similar what Erdogan alleged years ago, before POTUS 45 and used that to seize more power.. either way, I have bought a shit ton of popcorn stock.. just in case..

 

[Webster]

Isn't Prigozhin on a wanted list or something? I mean how do we know this is legit.. I am sure it is, but I am wondering why he didn't do something sooner to stop Putin? The timing on this is sus..

Yeah, he's just as sanctioned as Putin. I mean, say whatever you want about Putin and his military but it was Prigozhin and Wagner group who did this to a prisoner of war....

Video shows sledgehammer execution of Russian mercenary

Russia's Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said on Sunday that a former mercenary who was filmed being executed by a sledgehammer blow to the head after changing sides in the Ukraine war was a traitor.

www.reuters.com