Russian President Vladimir Putin faces increased rebellion by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin after the mercenary leader rejected surrender, calling the president “deeply mistaken” for saying his actions betray Russia.
In southwestern Russian regions, officials have cautioned residents to stay in their homes amid reports of Wagner equipment moving through the territories.
Here’s the latest:
- In the southwestern Lipetsk region: The region’s governor, Igor Artamonov, has warned residents not to leave their homes “without an urgent need and refrain from any travel by personal or public transport,” as they work to ensure safety in the city. Artamonov also said that equipment is being moved by the Wagner group across the territory. In Kursk, which borders Ukraine, Gov. Roman Starovoyt has plead with Prigozhin to “abandon his plans” to prevent an internal conflict in the country.
- Movement in Voronezh: Following claims of Wagner control over military facilities in the city, Gov. Alexander Gusev has disputed rumors that military equipment is moving through the region, urging people to follow information from official sources, and asking the media to be “responsible” in posting information. Also on Saturday, a burning fuel tank at an oil refinery close to the city was extinguished. While the cause was not confirmed by Gusev, videos on social media have shown an explosion and fireball as a military helicopter flies towards it. Additionally, a munition that landed in the city during what appears to have been a clash between Wagner units and Russian forces damaged a number of cars, according to state media.
Source: CNN