Putin vowed harsh punishment to leaders of the armed rebellion spearheaded by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led his troops toward Moscow.
As Ukrainian forces continued a massive counteroffensive, they awoke to learn a battle between Russians deep within Russia could become a decisive moment in their war to maintain independence.
Back in Kyiv, even as Ukrainians refreshed their social media feeds for news of the war, air raid sirens rang out. Kyiv officials reported that 20 missiles were shot down by air defenses but that burning debris struck a high rise, killing one person. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin urged residents not to drive and said key city services were on high readiness. He declared Monday to be a nonworking day for most residents except public servants and some industrial enterprises.
The dramatic developments came exactly 16 months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Europe's largest conflict since World War II, that has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions and reduced cities to rubble. "All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment," Putin said."The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders."Russia's security services, including the Federal Security Service, or FSB, called for Prigozhin's arrest Friday night after he declared the armed rebellion.
He posted video of himself at the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and claimed his forces had taken control of the airfield and other military facilities in the city. Other videos on social media showed military vehicles, including tanks, on the streets. Broadcasters also carried statements from top officials and lawmakers voicing support for Putin and condemning Prigozhin.
He gained attention in the U.S. when he and a dozen other Russian nationals were charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord ahead of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential election victory. He formed the Wagner mercenary group, which sent military contractors to Libya, Syria, several African countries and eventually Ukraine.
Wagner forces have played a crucial role, capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut, an area where the bloodiest and longest battles have taken place. But Prigozhin has increasingly criticized the military brass, accusing it of incompetence and of starving his troops of munitions.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wagner boss ‘more dangerous’ than Putin: Congress rips Yevgeny PrigozhinMembers of Congress from both parties largely adopted a wait and see approach as Russia teetered on the brink of Civil War.
Read more »
Who Is Yevgeny Prigozhin: ‘Putin’s Chef’ Now Chief Rival Interfered With 2016 U.S. ElectionPrigozhin—who previously denied connections to the mercenary group—has been tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin for over 30 years.
Read more »
Why Russia is investigating Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin | CNNYevgeny Prigozhin, the bombastic chief of Russia’s private mercenary group Wagner, appears to be falling out of favor fast in Moscow, after he unleashed a tirade against the Russian military on Friday and vowed to retaliate against its leaders.
Read more »
Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?The mercenary chief is at the heart of Russia’s growing internal strife.
Read more »
Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin accused of 'armed rebellion' by Russia: Live updatesRussia's FSB security service accused Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin of calling for an 'armed rebellion' when he vowed retaliation after claiming Moscow's military killed a 'huge amount' of his mercenaries in a strike on a camp. Follow here for live updates.
Read more »
Russian paramilitary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin calls for armed rebellion to oust defense ministerThe owner of the Wagner private military contractor made his most direct challenge to the Kremlin yet on Friday, calling for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia's defense minister.
Read more »