Prigozhin’s mutiny in Russia: intelligence update
That’s according to Ukraine’s defense intelligence, Ukrinform reports.
"After Prigozhin's demarche, amid Wagner Group’s convoys moving toward the capital of the occupying country, a counter-terrorist operation (CTO) regime was introduced in a number of regions across Russia," the statement reads.
As noted, law enforcement officers were thus entitled to wiretap any calls and correspondence, conduct detentions and searches without warrants, gain access by force to private homes and commercial premises, use private and commercial vehicles, switch off any communication signal, and remove individuals from certain areas and sites.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry also noted that currently Moscow is practically isolated by police and military. Reinforced patrols have been deployed at every intersection and exits from the city. A large number of buses without license plates and identification marks carrying armed man are seen moving across the capital. Interregional passenger transportation has been suspended.
Cargo and mail shipments have also been suspended. Motor vehicles are being thoroughly checked at roadblocks, especially large vans.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, traffic along the M4 Don Federal highway (Moscow - Voronezh - Rostov-on-Don - Krasnodar - Novorossiysk) has practically been put to a halt. All lanes have been provided for military and cargo vehicles. Armed roadblocks have been deployed at all highway exits.
All military equipment, which until now remained in reserve or stationed in the border regions is being recalled to Moscow, the intelligence agency noted.
As reported earlier, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin on June 23 announced a demarche against the Russian military leadership, including Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu. Prigozhin also claimed Shoigu flew to Rostov, where he personally conducted an operation to destroy the Wagner Group’s base. Now, 25,000 of Prigozhin's mercenaries intend to "restore justice", as put by Prigozhin.
At the same time, the Wagner Group chief urged the public not to refer to the latest developments as "military coup," slamming Shoigu over allegedly “cowardly fleeing Rostov,” adding that this “bastard must be stopped.”
The Russian defense ministry decried the statement as “provocation.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky, reacting to the armed rebellion by Wagner Group against the Russian authorities, stating that Russia’s “weakness” is currently “obvious.”
According to Zelensky, Ukraine is able to protect Europe from the spread of Russian evil and chaos.
