Kremlin drops Wagner charges, Prigozhin to Belarus

Deutsche Welle

25 Jun 2023, 10:22

A deal brokered by Minsk will ensure that the private military group won't be punished for the mutiny in Russia. Wagner fighters had been heading to Moscow for a confrontation with the Kremlin.

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Governor: Wagner soldiers quit Rostov-on-Don in mutiny U-turn

Wagner group fighters have left the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and are headed back to their field camps, the regional governor said.

News agencies cited witnesses as seeing the tanks, cargo trucks and several minivans carrying fighters leave the city.

The private military group seized Rostov's military headquarters earlier Saturday, from where the operations for Russia's invasion of Ukraine are run.

In a major challenge to President Vladimir Putin's authorities, the heavily armed Wagner fighters took control of Rostov, while some of them advanced most of the way to Moscow in a rebellion against Russia's military establishment.

Under a deal brokered by Belarus, Wagner fighters pulled out of Rostov in a move that their leader said would avoid bloodshed and de-escalate the crisis.

Wagner boss offered Belarus move in mutiny deal

Wagner mercenary force chief Yevgeny Prigozhin will move to Belarus under a deal brokered by Minsk to end an armed mutiny that Prigozhin led against Russia's military leadership, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko had offered to mediate, with Putin's support, because he had known Prigozhin personally for around 20 years.

"Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Peskov said.

The criminal case against Prigozhin, which was launched Saturday, will be dropped and other Wagner troops won't face punishment for the rebellion, Peskov added.

He said the mutiny would not affect the military's assault plans in Ukraine.

Wagner forces begin pullout of Russia's Rostov-on-Don

Wagner fighters began to withdraw from Rostov-on-Don late Saturday, after seizing the southern Russian city earlier in the day.

News agencies cited witnesses as seeing the fighters leave the city, where Wagner had occupied military facilities that are controlling the country's invasion of Ukraine.

An AFP reporter at the scene saw a tank, several cargo trucks and several minivans carrying fighters leave the military headquarters.

Prigozhin could be seen leaving in an SUV, in a video posted on Telegram by the Russian state news agency RIA.

Earlier Saturday, some of Wagner's forces had begun moving north from Rostov-on-Don toward Moscow for an apparent showdown with the Russian defense establishment.

The uprising was reversed when Wagner boss Prigozhin and Belarusian leader Lukashenko agreed on a deal, with Putin's permission.

It wasn't immediately clear what concessions, if any, Putin may have made to Prigozhin.

Belarus: Wagner chief agrees to de-escalate mutiny

The office of Belarusian leader Lukashenko said Wagner chief Prigozhin had agreed to deescalate his mutiny.

Lukashenko's office said the president spoke to Prigozhin with the permission of Putin to broker a deal to halt the movement of Wagner's mercenaries across Russia.

Belarus said an agreement that guarantees the safety of Wagner fighters is on the table.

The announcement was carried on the official Telegram channel of the Belarusian president.

Prigozhin quickly confirmed the deal, saying: "We are turning our columns around and going back to field camps."

He said he understood the importance of the moment and did not want to "spill Russian blood."

Prigozhin didn't say whether the Kremlin had responded to his demand to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin, but the deal might defuse a crisis that appeared to be escalating rapidly

Earlier, the Kremlin called on Prigozhin's troops to surrender, hours after they sent a tank convoy in the direction of Moscow in an apparent act of rebellion against the Russian military.

The troops were just 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the capital, according to Prigozhin.

Putin signs off on martial law penalties

Putin has signed off on new punishments for violations of martial law, including up to 30 days in jail and fines.

The new law does not, however, list specific violations like abuse of curfews or the refusal to work.

Officially, martial law has not yet been imposed in Moscow but is in force in Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine such as Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia.

On Saturday, several Russian regions declared an anti-terror emergency amid the Wagner mercenary army's uprising.

Chechen troops en route to 'preserve Russia's unity'

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said Saturday his troops are heading off to support the Kremlin against the armed uprising by the Wagner Group.

"Fighters from the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard of the Chechen Republic have already left for the tense areas. We will do everything to preserve Russia's unity and protect its statehood," Kadyrov posted on Telegram.

Earlier on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, where he spoke of an armed "mutiny" and announced that he would punish those who rebel.

"I support every word of Vladimir Putin," Kadyrov said.

Chechen fighters are currently deployed with the Russian military in the war against Ukraine and, until recently, were fighting alongside Wagner mercenaries.

Sunak urges 'all parties' to protect civilians

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called on "all parties" in Russia to protect civilians after the Wagner Group captured territory in Rostov and other regions.

"The most important thing I'd say is for all parties to be responsible and to protect civilians," Sunak told the BBC in an interview.

"We're keeping a close eye on the situation and how it's evolving on the ground as we speak," he added.

He also said he would speak with allies about the situation later on Saturday.

Putin allies rally in support of Russian president

Some of Vladimir Putin's closest allies rallied around in support of the Russian president on Saturday in the wake of the threat posed by the Wagner Group.

Putin on Saturday spoke to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev by telephone, with the latter describing the events in Russia as an internal affair while saying the rule of law must be maintained.

The leader of Russia's Orthodox, meanwhile, Patriarch Kirill, called for "unity" and voiced support for Putin.

"Today, when our brothers are fighting and dying on the frontlines... any attempt to sow discord within the country is the greatest possible crime that has no justification," Patriarch Kirill said in a statement. "I support the efforts of the head of the Russian state, aimed at not allowing turmoil in our country."

Russia fighting for 'its future,' says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the Wagner Group's rebellion, telling the nation it was facing its "toughest battle for its future."

In an address to the country, Putin described Yevgeny Prigozhin's actions — in calling for an uprising against the Kremlin — an "armed mutiny" and told the rebels they will face "inevitable punishment" for their "betrayal."

Putin did admit the situation in Rostov-on-Don was "difficult" following Wagner's claims it had seized control of the airport and army headquarters in the city near the Ukrainian border.

"There will be decisive measures taken on stabilizing the situation in Rostov-on-Don," Putin told the nation.

Russian military hit back: Voronezh official

The governor of Russia's southern region of Voronezh, Alexander Gusev, said Saturday that the Russian army was "carrying out necessary operational and combat measures" to fend off the Wagner Group's efforts to topple the country's senior military leadership.

Poland 'monitors' while UK says Russia facing 'most significant challenge in recent times'

Britain's Ministry of Defence (MOD) said in an intelligence update that "the coming hours" may be decisive as "to how this crisis plays out" as Russian security forces face a test of "loyalty" to the Kremlin over the "feud" between Wagner and Moscow's military.

The MOD said that Wagner units were heading north through Voronezh Oblast and were "aiming to get to Moscow."

Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, Poland's president held "consultations" with the prime minister and defense ministry about "the situation in Russia."

"The course of events beyond our eastern border is monitored on an ongoing basis," Andrzej Duda wrote on Twitter.

Russia will 'guarantee safety' of Wagner fighters who stop rebelling

The Russian army on Saturday said it would "guarantee the safety" of Wagner mercenaries who stop rebelling against the Russian government and its military.

"We are appealing to the fighters of assault squads of PMC Wagner. You were deceived into (Wagner chief's Yevgeny) Prigozhin's criminal venture and participation in an armed rebellion," the army said in a statement. It called on the fighters to ask for help to return to "places of permanent deployment."

"We ask you to show reason and get in touch with representatives of Russia's defense ministry or law enforcement. We guarantee safety for all."

Moscow declares state of emergency

The city of Moscow and the capital's region have declared a counterterrorism state of emergency against the backdrop of the armed uprising by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

"In order to prevent possible terrorist attacks in the city and Moscow region, a regime of counterterrorism operations has been established," Russia's National Antiterrorism Committee said on Saturday morning.

Unverified videos show soldiers in Rostov-on-Don

Following claims by Prigozhin that his Wagner forces had crossed from Ukraine into Russia and were on their way to the city of Rostov-on-Don, numerous videos began to appear on social media showing soldiers and tanks moving around inside the city.

Reuters was able to verify that the footage was of the police headquarters building, but could not say when it was taken.

Local news site 161.ru said that their correspondent has seen tanks and armored vehicles in the center of the city.

Rostov is the headquarters of the Russian Southern Military District, a key hub for Russian forces and close to the Ukrainian border.

The footage could not be verified and it was also not possible to determine whether the forces shown were Russian military or Wagner mercenaries.

Russia: Moscow mayor says 'anti-terror' measures in place in capital city

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said they were taking "anti-terrorist" measures to secure the Russian capital.

"In connection with the incoming information in Moscow, anti-terrorist measures aimed at strengthening security are being taken," Sobyanin said on Telegram.

The feud between the Wagner Group and the Russian defense leadership escalated into a confrontation after the mercenary group called on members to support an armed rebellion against the military leadership.

Prigozhin: Russian helicopter that fired on 'civilian column' shot down

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, said in his latest audio message that: "A helicopter just now opened fire at a civilian column. It has been shot down by units of [private military company] Wagner."

Prigozhin's short message was not independently confirmed by other sources. It was also unclear what he meant by a civilian column.

If true, fighting between Wagner mercenary forces and Russian military troops would mark a serious escalation in the clash between Prigozhin and the Kremlin.

Russia: Putin briefed on situation 'around the clock'

Russian President Vladimir Putin is receiving regular updates on the situation, the Kremlin said.

"Security services, law enforcement agencies, namely, the Defense Ministry, the FSB, the Interior Ministry, the National Guard are reporting to the president constantly, around the clock," Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Putin, was quoted as saying by Russian media outlets.

Putin has not yet made any comments on Prigozhin's rant against high-level Russian officials and the progress of the war in Ukraine.

White House: Monitoring situation in Russia

US National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodge said they were "monitoring the situation and will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments."

Hodge added that US President Joe Biden had been briefed about the fast-moving situation in Russia.

Russia: Ukraine taking advantage of spat to ready troops near Bakhmut

The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukrainian troops of taking advantage of the infighting between the Wagner group and the Russian military to prepare its troops for an assault on Bakhmut.

"Taking advantage of Prigozhin's provocation to disorganize the situation, the Kyiv regime near the Bakhmut front is concentrating units... for offensive actions," the ministry was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Russian forces declared control of Bakhmut in May, but Ukrainian forces have made it difficult for Russia to hold on to the city as they shape up a counteroffensive to take back territories.

Security has been reportedly tightened in Moscow

Security was boosted around government buildings, transport facilities and other key locations in Moscow, Russia state media TASS reported.

The new measures came after the head of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, unleashed a challenge to Russia's military leadership, calling for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia’s defense minister.

How has Ukraine reacted?

Ukraine has said it is monitoring the infighting between Prigozhin and the Russian military leadership.

"We are watching," the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said.

Russia: Prigozhin's claims not based in fact

The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee has criticized claims by Prigozhin regarding the alleged attack on Wagner forces.

"The allegations spread in the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin have no basis in fact. That is why the FSB has initiated criminal proceedings on the basis of these statements for calling for an armed coup," the committee said.

Prigozhin, the outspoken leader of the Wagner Group, has feuded publicly with Russia's defense heads for months, accusing them of battlefield failures in the war in Ukraine.

On Friday, the Wagner chief accused Russia's military forces of striking and killing his mercenary forces.

Russia's defense ministry has denied the claim.

Russia: FSB urges Wagner troops to ignore Prigozhin's orders

The Russian Federal Security Service or the FSB has urged Wagner troops to ignore Prigozhin's calls for resistance and urged them to detain the Wagner leader.

"Prigozhin's statements and actions are in fact a call to start an armed civil conflict on the territory of the Russian Federation and a stab in the back to Russian servicemen fighting pro-fascist Ukrainian forces," the FSB said.

Russian commander urges Wagner forces to obey military leadership
A deputy commander of Russia's war on Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, called on Wagner members to not oppose military leadership.

"I urge you to stop," Surovikin said in a video. "The enemy is waiting for the internal political situation to worsen in our country."

"Before it is too late, it is necessary and it is needed to obey the will and order of the popularly elected President of the Russian Federation," Surovikin added.

Putin aware of Prigozhin situation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed of the situation regarding Prigozhin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov said "all necessary measures were being taken" after Prigozhin urged Russians to join him in resistance against Russian military leaders.

Prigozhin was a close friend of the Russian president and was once known as "Putin's chef." Although Prigozhin has been critical of the Russian military and its handling of the war in Ukraine, he has refrained from criticizing Putin by name.

Russia launches criminal probe into Wagner chief

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) launched a criminal probe into Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday, accusing him of attempting a "mutiny."

Earlier on Friday, Prigozhin accused the Russian military of attacking his forces in Ukraine.

"We were ready to make concessions to the defense ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps. A huge number of our fighters, our comrades died."

Russia has denied it attacked Prigozhin's forces. Prigozhin has called on volunteers to join him after the alleged Russian attack.

"This is not a military coup. This is a march for justice," Prigozhin said.

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