Moscow: Russia plunged into crisis on Saturday after powerful mercenary group Wagner announced a coup to topple the top military leaders.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner paramilitary group, claimed that he has taken control of military facilities in two Russian cities — Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh.
Calling it an ‘armed mutiny’, Russian government has ordered Prigozhin’s arrest.
Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish those on the “path of treason” or armed rebellion.
“Any actions that fracture our unity are a stab in the back of our country and our people,” he said.
Describing the events in Rostov as an insurrection, Putin called for unity in the forces.
The Wagner Group, a private army of mercenaries which has been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine, responded by vowing to “go all the way” to topple Russia’s military leadership, Reuters reported.
Prigozhin, once an ally of Putin, said his forces would “destroy everything” in their way as the long-running standoff between Wagner group and military top brass over the Ukraine war is now out in the open.
As Wagner’s men took control of the Southern Military District building in Rostov, security was tightened across Moscow, especially in government buildings, transport facilities and other key locations.
Russian authorities urged Rostov residents to stay home.
“Due to the current situation, please refrain from traveling to the city centre and, if possible, don’t leave your homes,” Rostov region governor said in an advisory.
Sergei Sobyanin, the Mayor of Moscow, said “anti-terror” measures are being taken in the Russian capital.
“In connection with the incoming information in Moscow, anti-terrorist measures aimed at strengthening security are being taken,” Sobyanin said on social media.
The Wagner chief claimed his forces had shot down a Russian military helicopter that opened fire on a civilian convoy. His assertion could not be immediately verified, reported BBC.
