In response to alleged threats of “rebellion,” Russia has heightened security in Moscow and called for the arrest of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner paramilitary group.
This comes after Prigozhin threatened retaliation for an attack on a militia camp, which he attributed to Russian forces.
According to Russia’s Tass news agency, “critical installations” in Moscow are now under heightened protection.
The city’s government structures, transport infrastructure, and other key facilities have been secured, with special units of the Russian National Guard placed on full alert.
Security measures have also been strengthened in Rostov, a city near the Ukraine border.
Prigozhin later claimed that Wagner had shot down a Russian forces helicopter and that his fighters had entered Rostov.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Prigozhin, accusing him of “calling for an armed rebellion.”
The FSB warned Wagner fighters against carrying out any forceful actions and urged them to disregard Prigozhin’s criminal orders.
In an audio statement on Telegram, Prigozhin had earlier claimed that Russian troops attacked a militia camp, resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals.
He pledged to respond to these alleged atrocities. The Russian Defense Ministry, however, denied the accusations.
The Wagner group has been assisting Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine.
However, Prigozhin has expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian military command, citing a lack of support that has led to heavy losses among his ranks.
He has threatened to withdraw his forces from the invaded country.