Moscow: Tensions are mounting within Russia after the mercenary troop Wagner Group’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, called for toppling Russia’s military leadership, said a BBC report. The Wagner group has been fighting alongside Russian military in Ukraine. However, Prigozhin said that his troops have crossed back into Russian territory from Ukraine.
The Wagner chief also threatened to destroy anyone in their way. Yesterday he claimed that the Russian military launched deadly missile attacks against the Wagner group troops.
It is reported that Russia’s security service FSB has opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for calling an armed rebellion and for attempting to start an armed civil conflict in the country.
The report said that Prigozhin said that the “evil” in Russia’s military leadership must be stopped. He also added that this is not a military coup but a march for justice.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is keeping a close watch on the situation. He is expected to address the country shortly concerning the threat posed by Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Wagner Group is a mercenary group composed of convicts and other fighters. It is a private company engaged in conflicts around the world. They were raised by Prigozhin, considered close to Vladimir Putin, to do the dirty work for the Russian state, while the state can choose to deny them if things go wrong.
They have been instrumental in fighting rebels in Syria on the side of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. They were also active in many African nations engaged in bloody conflicts.
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